Many singles – especially younger ones – are stepping back from dating apps. This past year has seen a marked cultural shift: what was once trendy is increasingly seen as a chore. Gen Z users describe ditching swipe culture for offline encounters as a form of self-care. Major publications like The Guardian have highlighted a growing wave of people who deleted their dating apps to protect their mental health and leave room for serendipity. The novelty has simply worn off.
Women, in particular, frequently report safety concerns, harassment and disappointment online. Eighty percent of female users report some level of dating-app burnout, slightly higher than men. Common complaints include ghosting, superficial interactions and a lack of genuine connection. In fact, 40% of users say the inability to find a meaningful match is their main reason for logging off.
This dating fatigue points to a broader societal craving. Indeed, when even Jony Ive, the designer of the iPhone, has publicly voiced concern that today’s digital products can leave people feeling isolated and disconnected – and argued that technology should instead foster deeper real‑world connection – it’s worth paying attention.
Importantly, this isn’t just talk. Event organisers are reporting a surge in singles events, speed dating nights, and hobby-based meetups. Eventbrite has recorded a massive increase in in-person dating events in the UK since 20191, a trend that accelerated as app fatigue set in. A growing cohort is attempting to “meet-cute” the old-fashioned way, seeking organic connection instead of endless profile browsing.
Where people choose to meet matters. The renewed appetite for in-person socialising creates a real opportunity to rethink underused spaces in our cities. Not as relics, but as places where people can actually find each other. Placemaking, at its core, is about designing spaces around how people live and connect. It asks not just what a space is for, but what it makes possible between the people using it.
So, what is the right setting for enriching these offline encounters? A disused railway depot has provided just that space.
Located within the historic Sentul Depot rail yards in Kuala Lumpur, PickleDepot is a spacious new pickleball and padel venue that’s fast becoming a popular social hangout. With its regular lineup of casual, play-based events, the space invites people to exercise and socialise in a relaxed, inclusive and green environment.
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Easier to pick up than tennis, yet retaining the highly social dynamic of doubles play, pickleball has become something of a global sensation. Beyond the appeal goes far beyond the game itself. The simple format is low-pressure, energetic and surprisingly effective at dissolving the awkwardness of meeting strangers.
With courts, cafés and social spaces designed to serve up good matchups and good vibes all day and night, the depot has transformed into a modern lifestyle and social hub. Moreover, the industrial character of the site lends the space a texture that a purpose-built facility rarely achieves. It doesn't feel like a gym. It feels like a place you'd actually want to spend a Saturday.
Now, where did I put my paddle?
