Construction News claims that Eiffel, the French engineering group that built the Tower in Paris, were not invited to complete their application for the £150 million project by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).

 

The trade magazine claims that the dispute arose over the concerns about interference from the ODA and its Delivery Partner, CLM, and its lack of prior association with the venue's architect, Zaha Hadid.

 

Two other construction firms, Balfour Beatty and German company Hochtief, remain on the shortlist and it is not believed that the withdrawal of Eiffel will affect competition in the tender process.

 

During the Games the 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, water polo finals 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 Aquatics Centre construction contract could potentially include further work in the surrounding zone, including a temporary water polo venue, landscaping and a permanent bridge and public plaza.

 

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