Weymouth College in Dorset is to take over the running of the local Redlands Sport Centre as part of a strategy to improve facilities in time for Weymouth to host the 2012 Olympic sailing and water-based events.

The college is looking to secure funding for a three-year redevelopment scheme expected to cost between £4m and £6m, which would create ‘a centre for sporting excellence’ with facilities for education and sports for use by professionals and the community.

The revamp plans include the installation of a synthetic eight-lane running track and grandstand, as well as a 3G rubber crumb, full-sized, flood-lit, artificial football pitch and three mini pitches.

Proposals also include a new changing pavilion with clubhouse, improved grass pitches and doubling in size of the centre's existing gym.

Kelly Bush, sports programme area manager at Weymouth College, said: “Olympic fever has already gripped Weymouth and if we are to preserve this interest for future generations, we will need sporting facilities of an international standard.

“The Redlands scheme will offer great facilities for our students and the wider community and means our sports students will be able to develop their skills within the community, not just their peer groups.”

Weymouth College is looking to secure funding from the Learning and Skills Council, National Governing Bodies of Sport, Sport England, the National Lottery and Dorset County Council.

“We want to expand the academic sports on offer from the college and this site will lend itself perfectly to enable us to achieve this”, said a spokesperson for Weymouth College.

The college plans to forge links with neighbouring Wey Valley school, a specialist sports college, and Wyvern School to help make the facility a ‘sports hub’ for the town.

Weymouth College will take over the managing of Redlands Sports Centre on 1 October 2008.