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February 19, 2025

Pickleball facility proposed at former Bob’s Stores location in Newington shopping center

Contributed A pickleball facility has been proposed in the 48,884-square-foot space that previously housed a Bob's Stores location in Newington Commons.
By Andrew Larson

A former Bob’s Stores location in Newington is being eyed for conversion into an indoor pickleball facility.

The retail store at 172 Kitts Lane, home to Newington Commons, which is off the Berlin Turnpike, closed last year.

Jun Zhang, of Fall River, Massachusetts, is seeking a special permit for a recreation facility in the 48,884-square-foot space. No exterior changes are planned, according to the zoning application.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has scheduled a public hearing at its next meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. Feb. 26.

According to the application, the hours of operation would be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The maximum capacity would be 80 people, requiring 50 to 60 parking spaces.

The retail plaza contains 191,000-square-feet of space on 13 acres, with 957 parking spots.

The owners, Zi Zhang and Ai Hiu Lu, of Fall River, Massachusetts, bought the shopping center last year for $17 million.

The plaza is home to a Stop & Shop, Planet Fitness, Petco and a standalone restaurant, Joey Garlic’s.

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