Badminton England are due to move from its current site in the Loughton district of Milton Keynes to the new facility in May 2015 upon completion of the centre, which will feature a 3,000-seater multi-purpose arena, 17 badminton courts, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a health and fitness club, conference rooms and offices.

Funding for the project will be provided from the sale of the existing site for a housing development, as well as backing from Sport England and the Buckinghamshire Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

The National Bowl was earmarked as a potential site for a sporting venue in the original Executive Summary for the town to become an International Sporting City (ISC) in 2011, and construction of the centre could begin as early as November this year.

The new National Badminton Centre will feature 17 badminton courts and a 3,000-seat arena





Badminton England's plans had initially aroused fury among residents living near the current site in Bradwell Road, given the proposal to build 104 new houses on the area of the existing building and on adjoining land currently leased to the Milton Keynes Parks Trust by Milton Keynes Council.

"This is a landmark decision for Badminton England," said Badminton England chief executive Adrian Christy.

"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."

Chris Adcock spoke of the importance of the new Centre at the council meeting 

Britain's number one player Chris Adcock spoke at the planning meeting and took to Twitter to express his delight at the approval for the new centre.

"Rio 2016! Such exciting times ahead!! Great night for badminton great night for Milton Keynes!!" he tweeted following the meeting.

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