There’s something new catching the eye in Stockport town centre. A bold and colourful mural now brightens the steps leading up to the new outdoor Padel court at Life Leisure Grand Central.
Designed and painted by Russel Meehan from Qubek Manchester, the mural is a fun and vibrant way to show off the rapidly growing sport, while giving a creative lift to the area. Made up of flowing lines and bright circles that echo the movement of the ball, the mural invites people to head up the steps and find out more.
The mural nicely complements the wider transformation of the award-winning Stockport Exchange, a key part of the £1bn town centre regeneration being delivered by Stockport Council. With high-quality office space and vibrant public areas, it’s become a thriving part of Stockport town centre, supporting economic growth and attracting international businesses.
Cllr Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills at Stockport Council, said: “Stockport Exchange continues to evolve as a dynamic place to be, and it’s great to see the new mural bringing energy and colour to the space alongside the new padel court. This is a prime location in the town centre, and it’s fantastic to see it being used in such a creative and active way.”
“We wanted something that made people smile, made them curious, and just brought a bit of joy to the space,” said Anita Wheeler, Marketing and Communications Manager at Life Leisure. “Padel’s still new to a lot of people, so the mural is a fun way to say ‘come and check it out’.”
The idea behind the artwork was to make the courts more visible, but also to give the space a real sense of energy and show pride in our town centre.
For Russel, the project was also a personal one. “It’s been great working with Life Leisure to show people what Padel is all about,” he said. “I grew up in Offerton and learnt how to spray paint in Stockport. I used to skate at Grand Central as a kid, so it’s nice to come back and leave my mark on a place that meant a lot to me growing up.”
Russ has painted two other murals in the town centre and says it’s always a privilege to do something creative and positive for the area. “Hopefully, people see it, smile, and maybe even think about giving Padel a go,” he added.
So next time you’re nearby, take a walk up the steps, and see where the colour leads you.
Book yourself a court here: https://playtomic.com/clubs/life-leisure-grand-central
