A new centralised training centre, designed to help judo players prepare for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, has been unveiled by the British Judo Association in Dartford, Kent.

The British Judo Performance Institute (BJPI) is housed within the £4.5m purpose-built Dartford Judo Club, which opened in 2006, and will provide a full-time training facility for Britain's elite judoka, the association's coaching and performance teams, and medical staff. It is hoped that the new centralised institute will enable British Judo to meet its target of three medals at the 2012 London Games, while also providing a legacy for the sport through the continued development of elite performers through to the 2016 Games and beyond.

Margaret Hicks, British Judo performance director, said: "The Institute has allowed us to bring together high level expertise to provide the best possible support and delivery to our athletes. "We want the BJPI to become a hub of excellence and innovation not only for our players, but developing performance coaches and practitioners and also provide a resource for the talent development structures, which underpin performance."

Dartford Judo Club, which was built with the support of Dartford Borough Council, Kent County Council and Sport England, currently boasts two full-sized judo mats, space for up to 400 spectators, a gym and meeting facilities, as well as catering and social areas.