IPSWICH, England, January 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

University Campus Suffolk (UCS) has secured Olympic legacy funding from Sport England's Inspired Facilities fund for a major sporting development on Ipswich Waterfront.

Sport England today revealed that more than 1,000 local sports projects across the country have now received National Lottery funding through Inspired Facilities, which is part of the £150 million Places People Play legacy programme. Every sports facility that receives funding will carry the London 2012 Inspire mark - celebrating the link to the Games.

This funding will enable UCS to develop a multi-purpose outdoor sports and physical activity area adjacent to the James Hehir Building at the Ipswich Campus. When completed, the facilities will provide an accessible space for students, staff and the local community to participate in recreational sport and physical activity, as well as becoming a hub for UCS sports clubs and teams. The development of the facilities will also complement the UCS degree courses in sports and exercise science and healthy ageing.

Sport England's Chair, Richard Lewis, said: "This National Lottery investment is helping us deliver a lasting sporting legacy in Suffolk from last year's successful Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"With so many clubs in the East of England having benefitted from this fund already and building on the success of last summer, this is the legacy people want for their local community."

UCS Director of Sport, Professor Bill Tancred, said "As Director of Sport, I am absolutely delighted to have secured this investment on behalf of UCS, which will create a lasting sporting legacy for Ipswich and the institution. This outdoor multi-purpose sports facility will provide sporting and physical activity opportunities and address genuine needs for students, staff, clubs and the local community, to include healthy ageing. Furthermore, as a former double Olympian, I am thrilled that the facility will also carry the London 2012 Inspire mark, celebrating the link to the Games. In addition, this fantastic award will also help towards making Suffolk the Most Active County in England."

Local MP, Ben Gummer, said: "This is a great addition to an increasingly busy Waterfront. Now, as well as cafes, restaurants, bars and shops, there will be a sports facility. This is a brilliant new asset for the university and for the town. Well done to UCS and to Sport England for their joint contribution to it."

John Clough, Director of Suffolk Sport added, "Suffolk Sport is delighted to have been able to support UCS with its successful bid to the Sport England Inspired Facilities Fund. The new facility will act as a catalyst for getting more people from the university and the local area involved in sport and physical activity, contributing to Suffolk's aspiration to become England's Most Active County."

University Campus Suffolk is one of 310 projects across England to receiving lottery investment from the third round of the Inspired Facilities fund and one of over 1,000 to benefit overall, with the milestone being achieved one year ahead of schedule.

Many more communities can still benefit from the fund, with a further two rounds remaining.  Bids will be accepted for the fourth round of Inspired Facilities Funding from the 4 March 2013.  You can find out more at http://www.sportengland.org/inspiredfacilities.