London Olympics Water Polo Building News, 2012 Arena, Pool, Stadium

London Olympics Water Polo Venue

2012 Venue / Building: Olympic Delivery Authority – design by David Morley Architects

15 Jul 2007

Olympics Water Polo Venue

Design: David Morley Architects

London 2012 Water Polo arena designer appointed

The Olympic Delivery Authority has appointed David Morley Architects to design the temporary Water Polo venue for the London 2012 Games.

The covered 5000 seater Water Polo arena and warm up pool will be at the gateway to the Olympic Park alongside the permanent Aquatics Centre.

The design team, appointed through the ODA’s Design Services Framework, will develop a design solution that maximises the use of hired and reusable components. The Water Polo venue will be delivered by contractors and suppliers through the existing ODA Managed Package frameworks set up to efficiently deliver a range of temporary and smaller permanent venues. Construction will start in Spring 2011 to be completed by spring 2012 ready for test events.

In legacy the venue will be removed so that the riverside area to the north of the Aquatics Centre can be developed by the Olympic Park Legacy Company.

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said:
“This fantastic appointment reflects our commitment to a sustainable legacy, building permanent venues only where there is a clear long-term use, and to quality design across the Olympic Park. We look forward to working with the design team to create an innovative solution that provides a great experience for Water Polo athletes and spectators.”

David Morley said:
“The Water Polo Venue holds a key position at the entrance to the Olympic Park and will complement the Aquatics Centre and Olympic Stadium. The design will be driven by a creative approach to achieving cost effectiveness and buildability. Our ambition is to showcase the best of British technical design and deliver cost effectively a great arena for sport which can be removed afterwards and where some components can be hired and others also reused.”

David Sparkes, Chief Executive of British Swimming:
“Water Polo is a sport invented in Britain and this venue will, I am sure, inspire our Water Polo players to play at their very best. We look forward to working with the architects to ensure the venue, although temporary, is one that excites the visitors to the Olympic Park as they enter.”

London Olympic Venues : Olympic Delivery Authority information from 2007

David Morley Architects

Location: Stratford, East London, England, UK