Padel courts open in place of former market

Richard Belle said he was delighted to see the former market space being used again

One of the UK's largest indoor padel centres has opened in place of a former market in Derby city centre.

The centre, which features 10 indoor courts, has regenerated part of the former Eagle Market space, with the remaining area set to become a skatepark - at a total cost of about £5m.

Richard Belle, director of venue operations and social impact at Social Sports Society, which runs the centre, said: "The market was here for a long time but times do change... it's a shame to let it go to waste."

Organisers said more than 1,700 people pre-booked slots to play in the days before the courts - located next to the main Derbion shopping centre - opened.

Padel is considered to be one of the UK's most rapidly expanding sports

Padel, which is considered one of the UK's most rapidly expanding sports, is played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court.

The new padel and skate venues form part of the transformation of Derbion's Eastern Gateway development, which is the first phase of the larger Eagle Quarter scheme.

Derbion said the new 55,000 sq ft (5,110 sq m) padel venue was one of the largest indoor padel centres of its kind in the UK.

Previous proposals for the site included an indoor go-karting track and amusement space, but these plans were later withdrawn.

Derbion said more than 1,700 people pre-booked slots to play in the days before the courts opened

Mr Belle said: "Utilising the space in the way we have, bringing people back into an area where they haven't been in for a while is key for me and is great for the community.

"The response has been overwhelmingly positive... it's had good feedback.

"For me, it's a great use of the space for the general public and getting people playing together."

The padel courts are part of a larger £5m investment in the Eagle Market site