Badminton in Tauranga is closer to having a home of its own after receiving $5 million in funding.

The funding from Tauranga City Council will help Bay of Plenty Badminton build an indoor facility in Mount Maunganui.

The Badminton Multisport Centre at Tatua Reserve will have eight dedicated badminton courts and two multipurpose courts for community use.

BOP Badminton community development general manager Delwyn Cooper was teary when the council confirmed their backing at a meeting last week.

The organisation has been working towards having its own facilities for 15 years.

Cooper said she was ecstatic that the council supported the project.

“It’s something that we can work together on and have for the community,” she said.

“It will become the home of Bay of Plenty Badminton. It won't be just for Tauranga.”

The new facility would enable them to have all their players at one venue instead of spread around five different venues across Tauranga.

The venue will add much needed facilities to the city and wider region, said Cooper.

An artist's render of the Badminton Multisport Centre at Tatua Reserve. Photo: TCC.

Most clubs in the city were growing and were struggling to get facilities where everyone could play with some not able to accommodate casual players, she said.

When the centre was built it would free up the spaces they currently use for other indoor sports, said Cooper.

“We're the fifth largest city in the country and we don't have a facility.”

Having a dedicated centre would allow the organisation to become self-sustaining by hiring out courts, she said.

The new centre would also enable them to host national events.

“Badminton New Zealand are really supportive of this project as well because it puts another space into the network. There's not been a new badminton hall built [in New Zealand] since most likely the 70s.”

The facility is estimated to cost $15m and the council said the remaining funding must be secured by June 2026.

Copper said they have their work cut out for them, but she was already having discussions with potential funders.

“To have that endorsement from council and funding, we will then be able to go to other funders and businesses and say ‘Look, this is a really good positive thing for our city come and help support us’.”

She hoped community and grant funders, and businesses would look at them favourably.

The proposed floor layout of the facility. Photo: TCC.

The quest for a dedicated badminton centre began in 2008 when BOP Badminton approached the council.

Initially their plan was approved by the council to be on nearby Soper Reserve but the council decided it was no longer a suitable site.

Site investigations into other options took place but the costs were prohibitive.

In 2018 BOP badminton went back to council and asked about Tatua Reserve, the decision occurred in 2020.

In 2021 a feasibility study was completed, and council agreed to the funding last week.

Cooper said it was a “legacy project” for her.

“I've been playing badminton since I was 11 and I'm 53 now. My whole family has played.”

Her dad is 84 and still playing, she said.

During the meeting, commission chair Anne Tolley said the facility was a win, win, win.

“It helps us out. It's the 15-year dream that's been explained to us on a number of occasions, but it also provides for so many of the community.”

As the population of Tauranga had grown the investment in facilities hadn’t happened, said Tolley.

“It's just ridiculous that you would turn people away from playing a sport.”

BOP Badminton will continue its work for funding with the council’s support.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.