Farnham has netted a coup as a deal to transform an empty warehouse into Europe’s biggest pickleball and padel tennis centre has been agreed.

The deal to repurpose Unit 6 at Farnham Trading Estate into a dedicated sports centre was signed off by Waverley Borough Council following changes to a 125-year lease.

The move means Sally Grace and Andre Strachan can begin a £2.5million project to breathe new life into a unit empty since 2022.

Farnham really could have a smash hit on its hands as the centre will boast ten indoor pickleball courts and a further four for padel, with the move also creating a variety of full and part-time jobs.

It’s believed The HOPP will be the biggest European indoor venue to combine the two racket sports with luxury social spaces, changing and catering facilities, a club shop and expert coaching also planned.

“We’re absolutely delighted that the HOPP has been given the go-ahead because it means Farnham will soon play host to Europe’s biggest indoor pickleball and padel club,” said Sally earlier this year.

“The HOPP was born out of our passion for pickleball which is a sporting phenomenon that’s taking over the world and quickly growing in popularity across the South of England.

“We’re keen to give people across our community the opportunity to experience a fun, accessible and addictive sport which we know is great for all ages and abilities.”

The building will be split in two in a deal expected to generate more than £200,000 for the council.

The council said the building has been independently valued and the tenant will pay a premium for the site while all associated costs and ongoing rents were agreed at market levels.

Cllr Mark Merryweather, portfolio holder for finance, assets and property, said: “The proposal is for that existing lease to be replaced by two separate leases.

“That will enable a significant investment into the site, which is currently vacant, for the permission of lease facility such as pickleball and padel tennis courts for the community.”

The land already has planning permission after The Pickleball Hopp Limited And Rainier Developments were granted the right to convert the building.

Pickleball is a racket sport for either two or four players that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis and is played on a badminton sized court.

Padel tennis is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court a third of the size of a tennis court.

The council, which owns the building, said it will allow for further investment in the borough and create employment.

“There is currently only one purpose-built pickleball venue in the UK, three courts located in Telford,” states WBC papers presented to the Executive Committee last week.

“There is a very limited number of pickleball and padel courts in Farnham and across Surrey.

“Therefore the purpose built facility proposed at the site will help to meet a deficiency and better meet local demand for these fast growing sports.”

(Additional reporting by Paul Ferguson)