Horsham Arun Badminton Club (HABC) can trace its roots back to 1926 at which time there were two clubs in the Horsham area, Roffey Club and the Saracens Club (which later changed its name to the West Horsham Club). HABC was formed when these two clubs combined in 1954, playing at the Albion Hall in Horsham. Horsham District Council’s plans included the development of the venue, now Swan Walk Shopping Centre, and HABC relocated to an Atcost garage at the old Army camp at Broadbridge Heath. This infamous venue is widely remembered for its leaking roof and concrete floor. Following the move HABC embarked on a long-term fundraising campaign, eventually securing funds to upgrade the venue, including the luxuries of heating, an insulated floor and a lounge area.
In the mid-1980’s HABC relocated again as once more Horsham District Council sold the venue for development, this time to Tesco Stores Ltd. This second relocation proved rather more beneficial for the club as it culminated in the building of Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre including HABC’s purpose-built badminton hall, with private changing rooms and a lounge bar overlooking the courts. The facilities at HABC remain the finest dedicated badminton venue in Sussex.
