Padel and skateboarding set to transform Derbion’s former Eagle Market space

• Social Sports Society has signed to occupy 54,773 sq ft of the former Eagle Market
• Flo Skatepark will also signed occupy an additional 20,828 sq ft space
• The two arrivals showcase Derbion’s ability to break the traditional shopping centre mould by creating a community sports destination like no other 

Derbion, the East Midlands’ premier retail and leisure destination, is set to become home to 10 padel courts and a new skatepark after agreeing two ground-breaking leasing agreements with community sports operators Social Sports Society and Flo Skatepark.

Founded in London as a way of uniting communities through sport, Social Sports Society will be bringing its innovative offering to Derbion after signing a five-year lease for 54,773 sq ft of space to transform one part of the former Eagle Market area.

This will be Social Sports Society’s third location outside of London with venues already in Birmingham and Manchester. Its new facility at Derbion will be one of the largest indoor padel centres in the UK and is set to open this Autumn.

Padel has become one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports in recent years, thanks to its fun and easy-to-learn rules, its highly sociable nature and its accessibility to all ages and abilities. Played on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court with back walls for the ball to bounce off, the game is designed for four players and encourages social interaction. This new space at Derbion will bring the sport to the heart of the city centre and will attract players of all ages, with Social Sports Society planning to offer free or discounted sessions for schools and local community groups.

Flo Skatepark will be joining Social Sports Society after signing a five-year lease for a 20,828 sq ft space. A charity which is supported by funding from Sport England, and accredited by Skateboard GB, Flo Skatepark will use this space to create a world-class hub for skateboarding in the East Midlands.

Hosting regular events throughout the year, Flo Skatepark will also offer lessons for people of all ages and abilities as it aims to encourage Derby residents to get active, get involved, and get creative by trying out a new sport.

Flo Skatepark will also use the space as a venue for community events, and exhibitions, as well as collaborations with leading partner brands such as Vans.

Both these exciting openings will coincide with the completion of Derbion’s Eastern Gateway development which will transform this area of the city as well as create a new feature facade and urban garden for Derbion. It continues Derbion’s journey of becoming a leading day out destination in the East Midlands, and this growing leisure offering coincides with the centre’s partnership with the newly opened Valliant Live arena which has helped increase footfall and spend in centre especially among F&B operators.

Beth McDonald, Managing Director at Derbion said: “Social Sports Society and Flo Skatepark’s arrivals perfectly align with the completion of our new Eastern Gateway and our partnership with Valliant Live, as we create a destination where more people want to come and spend their free time.  These amazing new padel courts and skatepark, alongside the new urban garden, as well as the adjacent Derby Theatre, will further increase footfall and dwell time as we transform this area of the centre.

As a focal point for the community, we are always looking at new ideas and initiatives to bring people together. Social Sports Society and Flo Skatepark will allow local residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy these fantastic sports and try something new. Their arrival also grows our leisure offering, whilst complementing our extensive range food and beverage providers, helping to ensure Derbion remains the go-to-day out destination for people in the East Midlands.”

Tom Rooney CEO from Social Sports Society, said: “This new venue at Derbion will allow us to continue our efforts to help unlock new community spaces across UK urban areas. We are proud of our reputation as ‘the good padel people’ so to ensure we live up to this we will be giving away over 250,000 free or discounted hours to schools and community groups over the next five years. Through this we can bring padel to a new audience and help to grow the game across the East Midlands.”

Mark Deans, Chair of Flo Skatepark, said: “We can’t wait to open this fantastic new skateboarding hub for the East Midlands at Derbion. This new space will allow us to bring a high-quality skateboarding experience to both new and established skaters across the East Midlands. Skateboarding is synonymous with urban environments, and we look forward to using this space to unite sport, culture, and retail as we bring the community closer together.”