Game, Set, Blyth
A brand-new premium sports and social venue is set to open its doors in Blyth this summer, bringing one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports to the county for the first time.
Padelsphere, located at Unit F, Progressive Court, Spencer Road, is targeting a late July / early August 2026 opening and will be one of Northumberland’s largest dedicated indoor sport venues.
The 10,000 sq ft facility will feature three full panoramic glass courts (two doubles and one singles), alongside a licensed bar and café, lounge areas, live sport, and luxury changing rooms complete with saunas.
Padel, a fast-growing racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has seen significant growth across the UK. Padelsphere has been created to meet that demand, particularly for players who have previously had to travel up to 45 minutes to access courts in Newcastle or Durham.
With a catchment of more than 80,000 residents across Blyth and surrounding areas, the venue will bring the sport within 5–10 minutes of local communities, while also providing an accessible introduction for those who have never played before.
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.”
A key part of Padelsphere’s journey has been the support and encouragement received from Business Northumberland – the business support service for Northumberland County Council, which has played an active role in helping the business establish itself locally.
The organisation has supported the Padelsphere team by raising awareness of the new venue through its networks, inviting them to key events in Blyth and Energy Central, Northumberland’s renewable energy cluster, plus offering ongoing support as the business prepares to recruit staff.
“Business Northumberland have been brilliant. They’ve been genuinely enthusiastic about what we’re building from day one,” the Akshay added. “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.”
Padelsphere’s arrival comes at a time of significant transformation in Blyth, with regeneration projects including the Energising Blyth programme, Energy Central Campus, and the Northumberland Line contributing to the town’s growth.
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 Padelshere
“This is an exciting time for Blyth as the town continues to flourish – drawing in many new and innovative businesses.”
Akshay added “Blyth is the perfect location for us, the town is going through an incredible period of change and we’re proud to be part of that story. We hope Padelsphere shows that ambitious new businesses can thrive here.”
While the courts sit at the heart of the venue, Padelsphere has been designed as more than just a sports facility. It aims to be a social destination where visitors can play, relax, and spend the evening with friends, supported by a café, bar and communal spaces.
The business also has strong community ambitions, with plans for junior coaching, school partnerships, holiday camps, corporate events, tournaments, and inclusive sessions for all ages and abilities.
Interest from the community has already been significant, with enquiries from local schools and organisations, including a veterans charity looking to introduce sessions for ex-forces personnel.
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 will be 7am to 11pm Monday to Friday, and 7am to 10pm at weekends.
The team is also documenting the full journey to opening through a behind-the-scenes video series across Instagram and TikTok, giving the public a chance to follow the transformation of the space in real time.
You can follow Padelsphere journey on their Instagram @PadelsphereUK or contact hello@padelsphere.io for more information:
To find out more about support available to your business in Northumberland, please visit businessnorthumberland.co.uk or contact business@businessnorthumberland.co.uk