Proposals for a multi-million pound sports complex on the banks of the River Thames at Barn Elms have finally been approved. The Government Office for London has given the scheme to build a centre for sporting excellence the go-ahead after scrutinising the plans for six months. Proposals for the redevelopment of the 100-acre site were originally submitted in April 1999, but the government embargo and various other planning delays now mean construction costs have increased from £11m to an estimated £17m. Barn Elms has been used as a sports venue for more than 50 years, but the facilities have become dilapidated. Plans for the complex include upgrading football, rugby and angling facilities and improving floodlit tennis courts and hockey pitches as well as refurbishing the boathouse and creating a cafe. The existing athletics track would also be refurbished, and a new indoor athletics centre built. Wandsworth council is now approaching a coalition of sporting groups including UK Athletics and Sport England to finance the scheme.
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