A Carlisle furniture store is set to be transformed into a sporting venue.
Vaseys, which is the process of closing down, is set to reopen next year as a Pickleball and Padel tennis centre.
A team of investors said they were in the process of buying the building.
Once Vaseys closes, it will be revamped into the centre, which will also include a café and is due to open later in 2026.
Pickleball and Padel tennis are two of the fastest-growing sports in the UK.
Richard Wise, CEO and founder of Eden Valley Pickleball, said: “This development is expected to significantly boost local participation in sport and provide a
flagship venue that strengthens community engagement across Carlisle and the wider region.
“Over the past five years, we’ve grown Eden Valley Pickleball into one of the largest and most welcoming pickleball communities in the UK.
“We’ve built a real family atmosphere across Cumbria — playing in sports centres, village halls, and any venue we could find.
“To now bring that community into a purpose-built centre, while welcoming new players of all ages, is incredibly exciting. This is a huge step forward for pickleball in our region.”
David Campbell, general manager and head coach, said: “Having coached and played across Australia, Dubai, America and the UK, I’ve seen first-hand the impact pickleball and Padel can have on people’s health, confidence, and enjoyment of sport.
“The Cumbria Pickleball coaching programme has expanded rapidly in recent months, showing just how much demand there is locally for opportunities to learn and
play.
“I’m incredibly excited that we’re building a facility that will become a central hub for Pickleball and Padel across Cumbria. Supporting players as they learn, grow, and develop in these amazing sports is something I’m truly passionate about, and I can’t wait to help more people get involved.”
