Construction work on the 6,000 seat Velodrome began on schedule in March and there are now more than 100 workers on site.

 

The Velodrome is being built on the site of the former West Ham tip and more than 900 piles have now been driven up to 26 metres beneath the ground to complete the foundations of the venue.

 

Work to construct the concrete base structure of the Velodrome is also now a third of the way through and the first above-ground columns of the Velodrome structure will start to appear in late June.

After the Games the Lee Valley Park Regional Authority (LVRPA) will own, manage and fund the VeloPark, creating a world class attraction which will be used by elite athletes and the local community.

 

The legacy Velodrome will include a café, bike hire and cycle workshop facilities, and includes a 360 degree concourse level offering fantastic views over the Olympic Park, and out to the London skyline.

David Higgins, the chief executive of the ODA, said: “Completing the foundations of the Velodrome is a significant milestone and takes us a step closer to delivering a record-breaking venue for 2012 and a world-class cycling legacy for London.

 

"I look forward to seeing the striking architecture of the Velodrome continue to take shape over the coming months and begin to make its mark on the Olympic Park skyline.”

 

Sebastian Coe, chairman of London 2012, said: “Britain leads the way in world cycling and deserves a world-class stage in 2012 so the laying of the Velodrome foundations is a significant milestone.

 

"Our Velodrome plans are driven by legacy and we are aiming for this to not only be a venue where records are broken and the British gold-rush continues in 2012, but a breeding-ground for new generation of cyclists of all ages and abilities.”

Shaun Dawson, the chief executive of LVRPA, said: ”It’s thrilling for anyone involved in cycling to see the development of this beautiful building. The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority will ensure that this world class venue will be well used by a variety of target groups from beginners to elite athletes with extensive community use, outreach and sports development programmes."