Former world squash champion Dame Susan Devoy is giving her name to the new squash and fitness centre under construction at the Devonport Road and 13th Avenue corner.

Once completed, the Tauranga Squash Club is taking up occupancy at the premises, which is to be named the ‘Dame Susan Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre'.

Dame Susan Devoy in an exhibition match at last year's New Zealand Open at Bayfair Shopping Centre soon has a new place, named in her honour, to play squash at in Tauranga.

Tauranga Squash Club president Gail Bingham says the project is nearing completion after 10 years in the works and its naming is a worthy tribute.

'We are proud to have Susan's name over the door to recognise her contribution to not only the game of squash, but her many charitable and community organisation she supports,” says Gail.

'Susan is a true champion and has supported our club over many years as we have worked to bring this wonderful community facility to the Tauranga region.

'This new sports complex is truly multi-purpose and will bring a new level of fitness opportunity and design never before seen in New Zealand.”

A concept drawing of the finished squash and fitness centre.

Dame Susan Devoy is a Tauranga resident who spent over 15 years dominating the game of squash throughout the world, culminating four world titles.

Gail says four time world squash champion Dame Susan Devoy is humbled to have her name associated with the project.

'She is also excited about the wonderful new architecturally designed building that will be a real asset to the city.”

Gail is thankful of the various contributors to the project, including the dedicated volunteer team and sources of funding including TECT and BayTrust.

The current state of construction on the new squash and fitness centre.

The centre is due to open in July and includes playing surfaces imported from specialist German squash court manufacturer ASB.

The layout also includes a 200sqm ‘game court' where three traditional squash courts can be converted into one space by way of moveable walls.

This allows other community and sports activities to be performed on a healthy sprung sports floor.

Racketball is also being offered at the new centre.

Played on a standard squash court, racketball uses a slightly shorter racket with a larger more bouncy ball.

The Dame Susan Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre will be one of the first clubs to offer this new game in New Zealand.

Racketball appeals to new players as well as people recovering from injury or with mobility limitations as the ball bounces onto the racket easier and faster than in squash.