Fusion Lifestyle will manage the new sports facilities at Waverley Girl's School, which opens to the public this month. (January).

The school, which has Specialist Sports College status, attracts pupils from across the London Borough of Southwark and its new sports facilities include a sports centre with a four-court multi-purpose main hall, a small hall, conference room, 25-station gym, and floodlit outdoor sports area.

The facilities will be opened to the community outside school hours for courses, classes and casual use.

Fusion’s Lifestyle Team have been employed to use their expertise of development work in the community to evolve the school’s fitness, sport and coaching services said Simon Newton, business manager of Waverley School.

“We aim to promote sporting and educational excellence and Fusion has been chosen to facilitate this because of their proven track record and professionalism,” he said. “The partnership will help us to broaden access to a wider public, including staff, parents and educational users, with a view to enhancing the integration of the school within the community.”

Launched three years ago, Fusion is a not-for-profit, community-oriented organisation whose primary objectives are to provide facilities and services in the interests of the social and physical welfare of people living or working in south London.

Last month, prime minister Tony Blair visited Waverley Sports College to announce the extra £500m fund which has been created for schools to boost children’s participation in sport.

As part of the government’s plans, up to 40 facilities will be awarded specialist sports status like that which has been granted to Waverley.