Plans for a major new sports complex in Lewisham, South London, have moved forward with the formation of a new foundation to oversee the delivery of the project.

Former transport minister and London mayoral candidate Steve Norris will chair the Surrey Canal Sports Foundation, which will ensure long-term sports provision for the site. An indoor regional centre of sporting excellence - Surrey Canal: London's Sporting Village - will be at the heart of a new community drawn up by Studio Egret West.

Regeneration agency Renewal is leading the scheme and is working with Sport England in a bid to secure financial support through the agency's Iconic Facilities Fund. Renewal director Mark Taylor said: "The appointment of Steve Norris and our partnership with Sport England highlight the calibre of our proposals.

"We hope to use the potential investment from Sport England as a springboard for gathering the additional funds needed to deliver this very special facility for the capital." Norris added: "Surrey Canal: London's Sporting Village will make a strong contribution towards the 2012 Legacy by addressing the lack of high quality sports provision in inner London."