The scheme, which is intended to generate improved sporting facilities at grass roots level up to and beyond London 2012, is intended to fund projects that are regionally significant for at least two sports and which demonstrate long-term financial viability.

Applicants interested in the fund can apply for grants between £250,000 ($390,000/€290,000) and £3 million ($4.7 million/€3.5 million).

Opening on October 10, the next part of the Iconic Facilities project will invest in large-scale, state of the art facilities, catering for many sports that will help increase participation and deliver a sustainable sporting legacy beyond 2012.

Sport England chairman, Richard Lewis, said: "This funding is making sure that people who are inspired by the Games will have some really great facilities where they can go and play sport.

"We know that high quality facilities that offer a range of sporting activity can encourage many more people to take part in sport.

"Without doubt this is a key part of ensuring we deliver a lasting legacy from the Games."

The National Indoor BMX Centre in Manchester is a recent beneficiary of Iconic Facilities.

As a key element of the vision for Sportcity, alongside the Velodrome, the centre will create a complex of high quality cycling facilities.

Jim Battle, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "The National Indoor BMX Centre will attract more local young people of all abilities to take part in high quality sporting activity.

"The funding we received from Sport England has enabled us to extend and expand our cycling offer so we can run different types of cycling activities, more teams, leagues and competitions, helping us to attract more people into the sport."

Part of the mass participation legacy programme, Places People Play, Iconic Facilities is one of the three Places programmes that are transforming the places people play sport in the cities, towns and villages across England.

To find out more and to apply click here.

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