New look home of British badminton set to reopen

The National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes is considered the home of British badminton

A sports centre dubbed the "home of badminton" is to reopen after undergoing months of major refurbishment.

The National Badminton Centre, in Milton Keynes, is one of only eight venues in the country awarded Accredited Elite Training Centre status.

Work to upgrade the centre included a new reception area, cafe, bar and lounges - as well as modernised gym and fitness facilities.

Sue Storey, chief executive of Badminton England, said: "We are delighted to launch these refreshed facilities which will offer so much more to the local community."

"Whether you want to get on court or enjoy a coffee with friends - we look forward to welcoming you," she added.

The gym at the National Badminton Centre has been modernised as part of a year-long refurbishment

In November 2023, the badminton base was recognised by UK Sport for its contribution to the preparation of elite Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

The centre opened in 1999 and was the training base for the 2004 silver medal-winning Olympian silver medallists Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson.

More recently, it has been the training home of Commonwealth Games and European Games medallists Ben Lane and Sean Vendy.