Green light for Badminton England’s new training centre

BADMINTON England’s plans to develop the National Badminton Arena were approved last night by Milton Keynes Council’s Development Control Committee.

The plans to relocate from its existing site in Loughton, Milton Keynes to a new £22 million facility at The National Bowl will create what has been described as one of the best training and community sport facilities in the world.

The move was inspired by the massive demand for badminton courts, the desire to replicate tournament conditions in a training environment for the GB programme and the council’s ambition to position Milton Keynes as an International Sporting City.

Adrian Christy, Chief Executive of BADMINTON England, said “This is a landmark decision for BADMINTON England. I have been overwhelmed by the support from so many people and cannot thank them enough.

“We are experiencing a massive demand for badminton all over the country but in Milton Keynes specifically, the demand for courts outstrips the supply by some way.

“We are also determined to ensure our players have the best possible training environment and the creation of an Arena will do just that as well as enabling us to host major events from National through to International Championships.

“I am incredibly proud of the relationship we have with Milton Keynes Council where their ambition to create an International Sporting City is matched by our own aspirations to be the very best we can be.”

The new centre is planned to open in May 2015, just before Great Britain’s elite badminton stars begin their bid to qualify for Rio 2016.