The project now has more than 90 per cent of the money needed for the first phase of the refurbishment, with the latest cheque going to fund a new multi-use martial arts and fitness area, know as a Dojo.

The centre beat off stiff competition for a slice of Sport England's £10m fund, and was one of just 15 successful applicants out of more than 500.

Chairman of the New Park Community Arts Association Mike Foyle said everyone was 'extremely proud' of the achievement.

"That the New Park Centre has been successful in such a highly competitive and rigorous application process says a great deal both for the value of this project and the dedication and professionalism of our people," he said.

"I warmly thank everyone who supported and worked on this application.

"It is immensely rewarding after so many years to see the development project at New Park Centre finally get under way. We can look forward to a wider range of sport, fitness and many other community activities taking place at New Park Centre in the future."

The project has already received funding from Chichester District Council and the FG Woodger Trust, among many others.

Work is now scheduled to start early next year, with a completion date within 12 months.

The first phase will include the demolition of the single-storey building adjacent to the old Victorian school, and replaced with a new building which will feature the Dojo, showers, changing and toilet facilities. There will also be a replacement for the hall next door.

The current sports hall will then be refurbished to provide two flexible multi-use community rooms.

The Dojo will enable martial arts groups to host training sessions and regional competitions at New Park for the first time. It will also be finished in time for Olympic teams to use in the build-up to the 2012 Olympics.