Padelsphere, a premium sports and social venue, is set to open at the port of Blyth in Northumberland from late July to early August 2026. Located at Unit F, Progressive Court on Spencer Road, it will be one of Northumberland's largest dedicated indoor sport venues, featuring three full panoramic glass courts (two doubles and one singles), a licensed bar and café, lounge areas, live sport, and luxury changing rooms with saunas.
Meeting Demand for Padel in Northumberland
The racquet sport, combining elements of tennis and squash where the ball can bounce off walls, has seen significant growth across the UK, with venues in Newcastle, Gateshead, and Durham. Padelsphere aims to meet demand for players who previously had to travel far for courts. With a catchment of over 80,000 residents across Blyth and surrounding areas, the venue brings the sport within minutes of local communities and offers an accessible introduction for newcomers.
Akshay Ohari, Founder and CEO, said: "We built Padelsphere because Northumberland deserved a proper home for this sport. Padel is the most fun you can have with a racket in your hand, and it doesn't matter if you've never played a sport in your life or if you're already competitive, everyone has a great time."
Support from Business Northumberland
Padelsphere received support from Business Northumberland, the business support service for Northumberland County Council, which raised awareness through its networks, invited the team to key events in Blyth and Energy Central, and offered ongoing support for recruitment. Ohari said: "Business Northumberland have been brilliant. They've been genuinely enthusiastic about what we're building from day one. From promoting us within their networks to helping us connect with other local businesses, having that level of support behind us has made a real difference."
Blyth's Regeneration and Community Impact
The venue arrives during significant transformation in Blyth, including the Energising Blyth programme, Energy Central Campus, and the Northumberland Line. Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Northumberland County Council, said: "This is a great addition to Northumberland, and Blyth in particular, and we're pleased to have been able to support Padelsphere. This is an exciting time for Blyth as the town continues to flourish - drawing in many new and innovative businesses."
More Than Just a Sports Facility
Padelsphere is designed as a social destination where visitors can play, relax, and spend the evening with friends, supported by a café, bar, and communal spaces. The business has community ambitions, including plans for junior coaching, school partnerships, holiday camps, corporate events, tournaments, and inclusive sessions for all ages and abilities. Interest from the community has been significant, with enquiries from local schools and a veterans charity looking to introduce sessions for ex-forces personnel.
Opening Details and Booking
Padelsphere is expected to open in summer 2026, with bookings available online via Playtomic and walk-in sessions welcomed subject to availability. Planned opening hours are 7am to 11pm Monday to Friday, and 7am to 10pm at weekends. The team is documenting the journey to opening through a behind-the-scenes video series on Instagram and TikTok.
