Iconic Facilities

Sport England will invest in a small number of strategic multi-sport facility projects that will significantly contribute to an increase in mass participation in sport across England.

These facilities will be regionally significant for at least two sports and demonstrate longterm financial viability.

Budget and timings

£30 million of capital National Lottery funding, plus partnership funding, over three £10 million funding rounds:

• 2011/12
• 2012/13
• 2013/14.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applications can be submitted by organisations entitled to receive public funding, voluntary or community organisations, local authorities, sports clubs, and education establishments.

Is partnership funding required?

Yes. Applications must include confirmed and/or anticipated partnership funding from at least one third party including (where possible) the private/commercial sector and national governing bodies of sport. Prospective applicants need to plan and prepare building relationships and partnerships, and consider the long-term sustainability of their project.

Outcomes

• Given the importance of strategic facilities for NGBs, local authorities and clubs, Sport England’s investment will be in large capital grants - on average, awards between £500,000 - £1,500,000 will be made
• Targeted investment in up to 25 Iconic Facilities will create a network of multi-sport facilities of regional significance delivering both local and regional sporting opportunities
• All projects are required to measure their performance by monitoring participants and throughput achieved on an annual basis.

Projects

• Strategic facilities in England for at least two national governing bodies of sport
• Large-scale capital developments resulting in facilities of regional significance; but also demonstrating local delivery
• Multi-sport facilities, but with a focus on sporting activities that will drive high participant numbers
• A mix of facility provision (including both indoor and outdoor) to encourage regular and sustained use by a large number of people
• An enhancement, through modernisation, to existing provision and/or new build
• Confidence in their ability to deliver with detailed designs and planning permission secured
• A strong project team, led ideally by a local authority (providing capital funding)
• A long-term sustainable business plan attracting public and private investment
• Quality in design, but are fit for purpose to serve the community need
• Operating models, which may include an emphasis on community ownership (eg social enterprises, trusts).