Peterlee’s first padel court opens to the public
Peterlee’s first padel court is getting ready to open for business, bringing the sport into the “heart of the town” for the first time.
PadelPriv opens at Gemini Point, in Peterlee Business Park, on Wednesday, September 2.
The business was set up by friends Thomas Stewart, 38, and Josh Crawford, 24, who have been playing padel for around two years.
This is Peterlee’s first padel centre featuring one double court, one single court and a mini court.
It took the pair around two months to fully convert the former industrial unit, and they held a soft launch event on Monday, August 31 for friends and family.
Thomas said: “We’ve been playing padel for around two years now but there was nowhere near us really, so we always had to travel. That’s when we decided to open up our own business.”
The pair, who met in Ibiza, wanted to create a space that was more intimate and less intimidating, “like some of the larger centres can be”.
Thomas, from South Shields, said: “It’s smaller than your average padel centre. We didn’t want a huge place that feels intimidating when you walk in.”
Speaking about their decision to open a padel business together, Josh, who is also from South Shields, said: “We just love the sport and the community is so nice.”
This is the only dedicated mini court in the region, with the next closest court being in Eston, in Redcar and Cleveland.
Thomas added: “This mini court is ideal for complete beginners and perfect for children, making it easy and fun for young people to get active, learn the game and join in.”
PadelPriv’s ceiling height is also a selling point – at 10 to 12 metres, it is “way above the recommended eight metres for competing”.
Thomas said: “Competitions are definitely something we want to do once we get ourselves up and running.”
PadelPriv also has its own cafe area selling hot drinks, cakes and pastries.
Thomas continued: “Until now, residents of Peterlee and the surrounding East Durham area have had to travel further afield to play.
"This new facility brings the sport right into the heart of the town for the first time.”
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