Farnham is set to become the home of Europe’s biggest indoor pickleball and padel club, which will create more than 25 new jobs.

Plans for a new £2.5 million base for the world’s two fastest-growing sports have won local authority backing.

Waverley Borough Council has granted project planning permission for THE HOPP – The Hub of Pickleball and Padel.

Based on the Farnham Trading Estate, Hurlands Close, THE HOPP will boast ten indoor pickleball courts and four padel courts when it opens its doors in mid-2025.

Business partners Sally Grace and Andre Strachan, who won the Skechers Pickleball English Open mixed doubles gold medal earlier this year, are behind the project.

Sally, who lives in Chawton, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that THE HOPP has been given the go-ahead because it means Farnham will soon play host to Europe’s biggest indoor pickleball and padel club.

“We’re keen to give people across our community the opportunity to experience a fun, accessible and addictive sport which we know is great for all ages and abilities.

“We’ve already been overwhelmed by the positive public reaction to our plans and we’re excited by the prospect of turning our vision into an exciting reality in Farnham.”

Andre, who lives in Aldershot, said: “There’s a new craze for padel and pickleball and we can’t wait to open up THE HOPP’s doors to new players.

“THE HOPP will be a fantastic family-friendly place for people of all ages with comfortable surroundings to socialise with friends after a game of pickleball or padel.”