Frettens advise as Smeda Sports open the UK’s first dedicated pickleball and padel centre

Frettens’ Commercial Property Team recently acted for Smeda Sports, assisting with their lease and conversion of a substantial commercial premises in Christchurch.

Smeda Sports’ new indoor centre is the first standalone pickleball and padel club outside of the USA, and an exciting addition to Dorset’s sports offering.

"We wanted to create more than just a sports venue," said Karen Smith, sports enthusiast and co-founder of Smeda.

"We wanted to create a space where all our current members and new members can come and share their passion for both pickleball and padel." 

Tania on working with Frettens

"The Smeda team and I are so grateful to Frettens. It was an absolute pleasure to work with them on this transaction, and their professionalism and communication was fantastic." said Tania Smeda, Co-Founder.

"Sarah and her team helped us out with a rather complex transaction, assisting us throughout the process and keeping us in the loop at all times.

Our goal is to grow the Pickleball and Padel communities in the UK, and Frettens have given us the perfect starting point with The PicklePad."

Frettens’ involvement

Commercial Property Partner Sarah Heath was Smeda Sports’ main point of contact, supporting them with their lease and conversion of two units at the Priory Industrial Estate in Christchurch.

Sarah and the team advised on the Heads of Terms, negotiated the Agreement for Lease, Lease and Licence to Alter governing significant alterations to the premises.

Smeda Sports’ exciting new facility, with professional-grade courts and premium equipment, launched in January 2025.

Sarah Heath on ‘an exciting transaction’

"We are absolutely thrilled to have helped Smeda with their conversion, and proud to see that they are already having a positive impact on the local sports community." said Sarah.

"At the outset, we knew this was going to be an exciting yet complex transaction. Having worked on projects of a similar scale in the past, the team and I were well prepared, providing a comprehensive and supportive service.

The future is certainly bright for Smeda, and we are looking forward to helping them in any way that we can in the future."

Specialist Commercial Property Solicitors

Frettens’ Commercial Property Team can assist you in transactions of all types and sizes.

We provide businesses with clear, pragmatic advice in plain English; prioritising approachability, communication and professionalism.

If you are a business owner who’s looking for some Commercial Property advice, you can get in touch with one of our bright, accessible lawyers on 01202 499255, or by filling out the form at the top of this page, for a free initial chat.

(From left to right: Karen Smith (Smeda Sports), Sarah Stout, Sarah Heath, Tania Smeda (Smeda Sports), Ben Cobb, Rhys Saidi.)