Steve Backley helped to launch Medway's Olympic plans in January

Plans for the Black Lion complex include an eight-lane athletics track, and a purpose-built gymnastics centre.

Medway Council said national Olympic and Paralympic Committees would be able to stage pre-games training camps at the centre for more than 20 sports.

The government cash has come from Thames Gateway programme funds.

The University of Kent at Medway has already pledged �3m to the scheme, under which the centre in Gillingham will be re-named Medway Park.

PLANS FOR MEDWAY PARK Athletics track Boxing centre Free weights room Gymnastics centre Health and fitness suites Improved disabled access Improved swimming facilities Martial arts centre Refurbishment of complex Sports hall with seating

Olympic medallist Steve Backley, who helped launched the plans in January, said: "What impressed me then and now, is the determination and enthusiasm throughout Medway to make the most of this historic moment."

He described the proposals to create a regional centre of excellence as "ambitious and exciting".

And Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, 11 times Paralympic medallist and patron of Medway Youth Disability Games, said "commitment and enthusiasm" had been given to the huge number of opportunities arising in Medway out of the 2012 games.

"It's just great to see the high profile that is being given to encouraging disability sport," she added.

Medway Council has said the project will give the area a "lasting legacy".

It said the area was "ideally positioned" to take advantage of the 2012 Games, being less than 30 minutes from Olympic Park from Ebbsfleet station.