Padel and skateboarding to transform former market space at Derbion

Derbion in the East Midlands is set to welcome 10 padel courts and a new skatepark after reaching agreements with community sports operators Social Sports Society and Flo Skatepark.

Social Sports Society has signed a five-year lease for 54,773 sq ft of space within part of the former Eagle Market area. This will be the brand’s third location outside of London, joining venues in Birmingham and Manchester.

Set to open this autumn, Social Sports Society’s new facility at Derbion will be one of the largest indoor padel centres in the UK.

Meanwhile, Flo Skateboard has signed a five-year lease for a 20,828 sq ft space. A charity which is supported by Sport England and accredited by Skateboard GB, Flo Skateboard will use this space as a venue for community events, exhibitions, and collaborations with partner brands.

Both the openings will coincide with the completion of the Eastern Gateway development, which will create a new feature façade and urban garden for Derbion. The growing leisure offer at Derbion complements the centre’s partnership with the newly-opened Valliant Live arena, which has helped increase footfall and spend in the centre, especially amongst food and beverage 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.”