London’s first Ping Hub, which brings free-to-play, accessible table tennis to the public, will open on Saturday 25 January at The Exchange Shopping Centre in Ilford.

The Exchange Ping Hub, a permanent feature in The Loft area of the centre, will feature four permanent table tennis tables and access to bats and balls for everyone can enjoy playing table tennis for free, regardless of ability or age.

Ping Hubs are an exciting new initiative developed by Table Tennis England through the hugely successful, award-winning Ping! programme.

The Exchange Ping Hub has been made possible by a partnership and funding from Table Tennis England, The Exchange Shopping Centre and the Ilford BID.

It builds on the success of the Great Northern Warehouse Ping Hub in Manchester, which was launched to coincide with the world-class WTT Feeder Manchester event in February 2024. Since it opened, more than 15,000 visitors have played, competed and received coaching at the Hub, which received the Our Manchester Community Award for getting people from different backgrounds into the sport.

With London hosting the 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships, the Exchange Ping Hub is the first of many planned social impact initiatives in the city, aiming to provide opportunities for the people of London to play, watch, experience and enjoy table tennis, with the aim to take table tennis into local communities across London.

The Exchange Ping Hub launches with an Open Day on Saturday 25 January, and over the coming months there are plans to deliver exciting activities for the local community at the venue, including coaching, social play, competitions, schools’ activity and table tennis sessions geared to supporting people’s health and wellbeing.

Andrew Wilesmith, Head of Development at Table Tennis England, said: “We are delighted to get our second Ping Hub over the line. Working closely with the Ilford BID and The Exchange Shopping Centre has been great and allowed us to get this fantastic community asset up and running. Taking the sport to where people are makes it easier to break down barriers to participation.

“We know the positive impact the Ping Hub in Manchester had on local businesses and on local people who weren’t doing much activity before. We hope to create a space where everyone feels comfortable to enjoy a sport that is incredibly fun and engages everyone regardless of their background, ability or age.

“This is also the launch of our social impact programme as we aim to engage people from across London in the sport as we bring the World Team Championships back to London for the first time since 1954.”

Cyril Bekoe, Ilford BID Manager said: “Ilford BID is thrilled to collaborate with Table Tennis England and Exchange Ilford on The Exchange Ping Hub, a fantastic initiative bringing sport and community engagement to the heart of Ilford. This programme enhances the shopping experience, benefiting businesses and customers alike by fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment. We’re excited to see its positive impact!”

Sarah de Courcy Rolls, Exchange Ilford General Manager & BID Chair said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Ping Hub to Exchange Ilford. The sport of ping pong is a fun, accessible activity that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. This exciting partnership promotes inclusive hobbies and reflects our commitment to fostering community engagement within Ilford. We are confident Ping Hub will become a vibrant destination for connection, activity, and enjoyment, making a positive impact on everyone who visits.”

Cllr Namreen Chaudhry, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Communities at London Borough of Redbridge said: “We are delighted to be chosen as the home of London’s first ping hub. The new facilities will provide everyone with the opportunity to play table tennis for free, including those with an interest in the sport or those wishing to play as part of a hobby or to keep fit. 

”With the World 2026 World Team Table Tennis Championships taking place next year, we hope to play an important role in raising interest around the tournament and the sport and potentially ushering in a new generation keen to take part and play table tennis for years to come.”