Otago Badminton Centre update - still closed

March Otago Badminton Centre (OBC) Update

Engineers have inspected the OBC. Advice is that further debris clean-up is required before considering reopening the facility and, that (as anticipated) the temporary roof repair to keep the venue semi-waterproof is structurally inferior to the original roof, so this poses a safety risk. Therefore, the OBC will remain closed for the time being.

 We have also been advised a remedial action plan, which may allow us to operate in parts of the building (e.g. back 3 courts only) as we work through the larger project of permanent repair. The partial re-opening action plan is also complex and will take some time if initiated as it requires some areas to be isolated. For example, opening up access to only the back courts means a new building plan regarding entrance and fire exits, consideration of bathroom facilities and more.

This sadly means the venue in entirety is likely to be unavailable for 2026. We may reopen some parts in the coming months, and we will update members on this when we know more. We will also continue to advise of playing opportunities at other venues as the OBA can secure court time, for example at school gyms or council facilities. Over summer we explored setting up in a new location temporarily, for example a warehouse and putting mats down etc, but a suitable venue was not found.

On a more positive note – stay tuned for updates on OBA Memberships!

The OBA will be using a new platform (Friendly Manager) for Member registrations. More information to come shortly, including Member benefits independent of the currently closed OBC facility.