A new indoor pickleball court facility may be coming to Goleta in the former Bed Bath & Beyond building in the Fairview Shopping Center.

Residents spotted the yellow notice of proposed development outside the building at 189 N. Fairview Ave. a few weeks ago. 

The City of Goleta has approved a land use permit to change the building’s allowed use from retail to indoor sports and recreation. The Picklr organization plans to lease the space from the shopping center.

As part of approving the permit, the city confirmed that the shopping center has enough parking to support an indoor sports space, according to Kelly Hoover, community relations manager for the City of Goleta.

Hoover added that the architect, Paul Poirier of Poirier Architects, submitted a request for a demolition permit to start initial work to convert the space, but he has not yet submitted construction plans for the space.

The commercial space has been empty since summer 2023.

The City of Goleta looked at the space to house a temporary library during construction for the Goleta Valley Library building, but was told at the time that the shopping center wanted a more long-term lease.

While pickleball fans wait to see what happens with the proposal, there are outdoor courts at Evergreen Park, Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park and the Goleta Valley Community Center.