Albion Park is set to score the first purpose-built pickleball facility in the Illawarra. Photo: House of Pickle.
A new sports arena is coming to Albion Park – and it might be the first of many.
House of Pickle plans to bring the region’s first purpose-built pickleball and padel facility to life as early as April this year, pending DA approvals.
It will feature tournament-grade Laykold Advantage courts, extra-high ceilings, and generous run-off, with indoor and outdoor pickleball courts alongside undercover and open-air padel courts.
Off the court social spaces, a full bar and food offerings, an on-site pro shop, showers and free parking will all feature.
House of Pickle co-founder and chief operating officer Bryce Martiskin said the space would be built for serious play at every level and would give players year-round flexibility.
He told Region the facility was pitched off the back of consultation with the local pickleball community.
“There’s a huge demand in the area for dedicated, purpose-built courts,” he said.
“The first port of call is always to identify with the community how many players they have and where they play.
“A lot are using basketball and netball courts and really thriving, but the next step is to have a permanent home and clubhouse.
“We’ve found a location, we’ve met with the community and we’re ready to go ahead with building the facility.”
Bryce said the team at House of Pickle had a background in outdoor events, gave pickleball a try and loved it.
Their entrepreneurial minds saw an opportunity in the rapidly-growing sport.
“We thought we could build a business out of it, and were lucky enough to get opportunities on the Northern Beaches and in Darling Harbour,” he said.
“We know the demand is there, so if the community size and growth of the sport validates it, the next step is providing dedicated courts.
“Then it takes work and patience to build on that player base, attract new players and help fill the numbers up.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve, and we do everything ourselves – we must thrive on the stress.”
Bryce estimated it would take them about a month from getting approval to finishing construction.
He said their most recent facility, at Frenchs Forest, had taken just 10 days to put together; however, it’s much smaller than what they have planned for Albion Park.
House of Pickle is also scouring the Illawarra for other likely sites, and working with Pickleball NSW to identify which clubs and areas have the most demand.
He encouraged anyone from an Illawarra club who was keen to have their own space to get in touch.
For those who don’t play, Bryce said the sport was one that could be enjoyed at any age, picked up quickly, and didn’t require you to do much more than turn up.
“You don’t have to be athletic; you can use more strategy,” he said.
“We run an introduction, then a stage two to learn more skills, then it’s easy to move to open play.
“You can turn up by yourself – you don’t have to book a court or come with someone.
“It’s very social, you have fun and get some exercise – and it’s addictive.”
