Barn Elms playing fields are set for a £2m makeover, despite the threat of a potential seven-year long super-sewer development hanging over the green space.

It was announced last week the Football Foundation would donate £547,000 to the improvement of the sports pitches and facilities at the fields between Putney and Barnes, which is managed by Richmond and Wandsworth councils.

Along with grants from the London Marathon Charitable Trust, the Lawn Tennis Association, Barnes Workhouse Trust, Veolia and Richmond Council, the £2.2m fund will go towards increasing the number of football and rugby pitches from 13 to 17.

The site will also get a new pavilion, new tennis courts, a multi-use area for tennis and netball, and two new cricket squares.

When asked if the super sewer tunnel entrance proposals could affect the development, Thames Water declined to comment.

Paul Thorogood, the Football Foundation’s chief executive, said the grant represented excellent news for sport in Barn Elms.

He added: “Richmond Council, the Surrey County FA and the Barn Elms Sports Trust deserve immense credit for their work in making this happen.”

Work on site will start once a contractor has been commissioned and it is hoped the completion date will be summer 2012 - in time for the Olympics.