During the Games the Zaha Hadid designed Aquatics Centre, featuring a spectacular sweeping roof, will mark the entrance to the Olympic Park from Stratford.

 

The Aquatics Centre will host swimming, diving, synchronised swimming and elements of Modern Pentathlon.

 

After the Games temporary seating will be removed, leaving in legacy a 2,500 capacity swimming venue that can be boosted to 3,500 seats, and local community and school swimming facilities.

 

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) today issued an OJEU (Official Journal European Union) contract notice for the construction of the Aquatics Centre and potentially further work in the surrounding zone, including a temporary water polo venue, landscaping and a permanent public plaza.

 

Work is already underway clearing and excavating the site and construction starts in 2008 with the venue ready for elite training and test events in 2011.

 

The venue will feature a diving pool and two 50 metre pools equipped with the latest pool technology, including moveable floors and booms, to provide maximum flexibility for community use after the Games, such as mother and toddler classes.

 

The Zaha Hadid team are currently progressing with the next stages of design of the Aquatics Centre, working with leading swimming pool architects S&P and structural engineer ARUP.

 

The ODA chief executive David Higgins said: “This is an opportunity for a major construction company to build a world-class London 2012 venue fit for the best athletes in the world in and a lasting legacy.

 

The Aquatics Centre will form a spectacular gateway to the Olympic Park from Stratford. After the Games it will become a new landmark for London, a new home for UK swimming and a new swimming and fitness facility for local people.”