An outline planning application for the development of a new sports village in the centre of London has been submitted to Lewisham Council.

Renewal is behind the Surrey Canal: London's Sporting Village scheme, which will lead to the creation of a new community based around a regional centre of sporting excellence. The home of Millwall Football Club, the New Den, is included in the 30-acre (13.5-hectare) Surrey Canal site and is to benefit from an improved setting under the plans.

Renewal is proposing to introduce 2,500 new homes; a vibrant new public area and open spaces; and community facilities, in addition to the sports village. Four separate buildings will house sports facilities, offering around 500,000sq ft (46,452sq m) of multi-purpose space for a range of activities.

Plans have been drawn up by Studio Egret West, while Envac's underground vacuum waste system has been awarded a £3m waste handling contract for the scheme. Renewal development director Mark Taylor said: "The submission of the application is a hugely important step forward for the scheme.

"Surrey Canal will become a destination of regional importance due to the strength of its sporting and cultural offer." David West of Studio Egret West added: "This is a hugely exciting and ambitious project which will transform an inner city site and deliver a whole host of benefits for the existing communities of North Lewisham."