Badminton England plan move to £20million base in Milton Keynes

It is proposed that the governing body will move from their existing National Badminton Centre in the town to a new purpose-built complex of at least twice the size at the National Bowl.

Intended to open in spring 2015, the new centre would contain a 16-court badminton hall, a 3,000-seater arena, a fitness club, athlete accommodation as well as administrative space.

Adrian Christy, BE chief executive, said: "As minimum, the National Badminton Centre will double in size.

"The arena will also allow Milton Keynes to attract major national, European and international sporting events - not just badminton competitions, but several other sporting events that might include volleyball, table tennis, netball and basketball.

"As minimum, the National Badminton Centre will double in size."
Adrian Christy

"The support from partners for this venture has been overwhelming including MK Council, the landowners and Sport England, who have mentioned this project alongside other world-class facilities such as the new St George's Park football centre in Burton-upon-Trent and Manchester's redeveloped National Cycling Centre."

In January next year, a more detailed planning application will be submitted to Milton Keynes Council.

Badminton England have been at their present Loughton base since 2000, which will be sold to fund the new project.