‘Why I’m looking to turn ex-car showroom into Aberdeen’s first ping pong club’

A disused Aberdeen car showroom could become the city’s first ping pong venue spearheaded by a former international table tennis star.

A planning application has been submitted outlining plans to transform the West End Motor Company showroom at The Arches into SpinLab – Aberdeen’s only ping pong venue.

The project will be the ‘first of its kind’ in Scotland, featuring eight table tennis courts and a shop.

The man behind it, Murhad Hussain, was first introduced to table tennis as a child and triumphed in under-11s competitions.

He represented his university in global competitions before becoming one of just 25 International Olympic Committee (IOC) Young Leaders in 2025.

Having been inspired by initiatives such as Ping Pong Ding Dong in Germany, he decided to replicate it in Aberdeen.

Speaking exclusively to The Press and Journal, Murhad explained the aims of the new venue.

He said: “As someone who was brought up in an area with not a lot of opportunities, table tennis gave me a chance to excel and find confidence through a charity that was focused on using the power of sport to better the lives of the less fortunate in society.

SpinLab will be the ‘first of its kind in Scotland’

“The idea is to have a facility where everyone, regardless of whether it is a casual game or preparing for national competition, could come to.

“Whether it is to have a laugh or get a serious workout done. Have a social group or a company day out.”

Murhad says the venue would be the “first of its kind in Scotland”.

He said table tennis doesn’t get the recognition it deserves compared to tennis.

However, thanks to the film Marty Supreme, there has been a spike in curiosity.

He said: “I do think the movie put more eyes on the sport and I believe it’ll draw some but I set out on this venture to try new ways to promote the sport.”

The project has been on the go since February 2025, and with Murhad calling it “very challenging”.

The Granite City has become somewhat of a hub for table tennis talent.

Murhad said: “With many talented players coming out of Aberdeen, including two young girls playing in the Women’s Scottish team in the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship next month in India, I found it unusual that there is not a full-time facility or something close to it.

New ping pong club could spark renewed interest in the sport

“I’m hoping that SpinLab will also unlock some more talent.”

The project is funded by the Olympic Young Leaders program, FirstPort, UnLtd and Shackleton Foundation.

Murhad teased what people can expect from the new venue when it opens sometime in August/September.

Alongside eight table tennis courts, there will be spectator seating and a SpinLab shop selling table tennis equipment by German brand Andro.

There will also be a reception and toilet facilities.

The courts will be available for booking on a “pay as you go” basis as well as a general club.

This will allow the venue to welcome a community of players.

In addition, Murhad hopes to collaborate with organisations to host professional matches as well as corporate events and birthday parties.

He added: “Using table tennis, I’m hoping to address the child poverty in Aberdeen through inclusive and accessible sessions and opportunities for children and their families.”

[Source: Press and Journal]