Plans to redevelop and expand St Mary's University College's sports complex in Twickenham, London, ahead of the 2012 Olympics have received a £500,000 boost.

Sport England agreed the grant through its Community Involvement Fund, which will go towards meeting the cost of a new-build part of a wider £8m scheme to upgrade the university's facilities.

The new-build element will incorporate a sports hall, a strength and conditioning suite and changing facilities, and is set to be connected to the university's existing games hall and sports block.

Existing facilities will also be refurbished as part of the project, which is due to be completed in summer 2011 and will see the centre used as a 2012 Pre-Games Training Camp for the South African squad.

It is also hoped the new facilities - designed by Rivington Street Studio and to be delivered by Morgan Ashurst - will allow the university to develop stronger partnerships with the local community, and help to increase participation levels among young people.

Professor Richard Fisher, head of St Mary's 2012 preparations, said: "It has been a long process but now the final part of funding is in place and St Mary's world-class reputation in sport will grow even stronger."