New Dudley pickleball court hosts some of the UK's best players during grand opening in Stourbridge
A new Courtside Pickleball centre enjoyed it's grand opening at an old industrial unit in Dudley this weekend.
In September 2025, Dudley Council planners gave the go-ahead for a new pickleball centre at a disused industrial unit on Mill Race Lane in Stourbridge.
The conversion has seen eight pickleball courts installed alongside other associated facilities, and provides Dudley with it's first purpose-built pickleball facility, and the only one within 20-miles of Stourbridge.
The opening day included an opening ceremony at 12pm featuring Dudley Mayor Cllr Pete Lee, and Karen Mitchell, the founder, chair and CEO of Pickleball England.
There were also exhibition matches between some of the country's top pickleball players, including Pei Chuan Kao, Thaddea Lock, Ben Cawston, Harvey Ravenscroft and Ewan Skillicorn. Visitors were able to test themselves against the pros and each other too.
Throughout the opening, which ran from 12pm until 6pm on Saturday, January 17, there were opportunities to play matches and explore the new facilities, including some wheelchair pickleball matches in the afternoon.
A statement from local company GH Designs, who supported the industrial unit conversion, read: “This sports’ rapid growth reflects their inclusive appeal, drawing players across all ages and fitness levels.
“These initiatives also align with national health policies and the UK’s push for inclusive, community-driven spaces, ensuring long-term sustainability and relevance.
“This combination of explosive interest, community benefits, and policy alignment makes now the ideal time to launch a pickleball club in the heart of Stourbridge.“
The new site includes a shop, cafe and 26 dedicated parking spaces, and is believed to have created at least ten jobs.
Pickleball was developed in America in the 1960s and is racket sport played on a court similar in size to a badminton court.
