New Padel Courts Breathe Fresh Life into Derby’s Old Eagle Market

For years, Derby’s old Eagle Centre Market had become a shadow of its former self. Once a bustling hub of local traders, friendly chatter and weekend bustle, it had slowly grown quieter as shopping habits changed and the city’s retail landscape evolved. Stalls closed, shutters stayed down, and what was once a thriving part of the city centre became, frankly, a wasted space. But now, that story has changed – dramatically. Thanks to a £5 million transformation, the former market has been reborn as one of the UK’s largest indoor padel centres, and it’s already proving to be a smash hit.

On a midweek afternoon visit, the place was buzzing with energy. Players were on court, spectators lingered around the glass walls, and the sound of rackets meeting balls echoed through the newly revamped space. If this is what a weekday looks like, weekends must be absolutely heaving. It’s fantastic to see – not just because Derby has a brand-new sport to get behind, but because it’s giving people a real reason to visit and spend time in the city centre again.

This brand-new venue, operated by Social Sports Society, features ten world-class indoor padel courts within a 55,000 sq ft complex that’s part of Derbion’s Eastern Gateway redevelopment. It’s not just big by local standards – it’s one of the largest indoor padel facilities in the country. With more than 1,700 people pre-booking games before opening week, it’s clear that Derby has taken to padel in a big way.

Padel, for the uninitiated, is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports – an addictive mix of tennis and squash played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court. It’s easy to learn, fast-paced and social, making it the perfect fit for families, friends and newcomers looking for something active and accessible. The team behind the venue, Social Sports Society, are committed to growing the game from the grassroots up – promising over 250,000 free or discounted hours of court time for schools and community groups across the next five years.

What’s perhaps most exciting is the broader picture. The padel venue is just one part of a major regeneration effort that’s transforming this corner of Derby city centre. Alongside the courts, work is underway on a brand-new Flo Skatepark, created in partnership with Rollersnakes, which will occupy a huge 20,000 sq ft space in the same complex. For the city’s skaters – who haven’t had a major facility since the days of Storm Skatepark – this is enormous news. And unlike Storm, this one sits right in the heart of the city, surrounded by shops, food spots and public transport links.

The combination of padel courts and a world-class skatepark marks a major shift in how Derby is reinventing its urban spaces – swapping out outdated retail for community-driven, active, social spaces. It’s a vision that gives young people and families more reasons to come into the city centre, spend time together, and feel proud of where they live.

Derbion’s Eastern Gateway project, supported by Derby City Council’s £15 million Future High Streets Fund grant (with £3 million allocated to this development), has also included creating a new East Street entrance, complete with an urban garden and seating area. It’s a glimpse of what modern city centres can become – not just shopping hubs, but vibrant leisure destinations that bring people together.

For long-time locals, there’s a twinge of nostalgia walking through what used to be the old market, remembering the traders, the smells of food stalls, the sound of conversation. But that nostalgia is now mixed with optimism – and a sense of pride. Derby hasn’t just clung to the past; it’s adapted, modernised and created something that genuinely feels alive again.

The new padel centre is already thriving, the skatepark will soon follow, and the whole complex looks set to become a beating heart of activity in Derby once more. For anyone who remembers the old Eagle Market, it’s a bittersweet goodbye – but for the city’s future, it’s a brilliant new beginning.

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