Government pledges 拢5m towards 拢35m Basildon Sporting Village designed by S and P Architects

A potential London 2012 training venue has been given the go-ahead after a government funding package.

The Department for Communities and Local Government has pledged 拢5m towards Basildon Sporting Village in Essex, which could be offered as a training camp for the 2012 London Olympics.

Pre-design plans for the 拢35m Village by S and P Architects include a 50m swimming pool, eight tennis courts, eight outdoor football and rugby pitches, 12 netball courts and a large multi-use sports hall.

Basildon District Council will contribute 拢15m, and Essex County Council 拢5m, bringing public sector investment in the project to 拢25m.

The development team is now searching for a private sector partner to design, build, operate and maintain the complex.

Judith Armitt, chief executive of the Thames Gateway Executive at the CLG, said: 鈥淲ith the London 2012 Olympic Games around the corner we should take advantage of the Thames Gateway鈥檚 role in hosting the Olympic Games."

"The Sporting Village project in Basildon is a great example of local partners working together to deliver a project to raise sporting achievement, encourage healthy lifestyles and be a landmark building.鈥�

S and P Architects has been working with PMP Consultants at the pre-design stage.

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