Five firms shortlisted to build London 2012 Handball Arena with multi-sports legacy
The Olympic Delivery Authority today announced a five-strong shortlist of companies competing to build the London 2012 Handball Arena which will become a new multi-sports facility in legacy.
Following a packed industry day in April and an encouraging response to the opportunity when advertised, the following five companies have been shortlisted: The Handball Arena will host handball and the modern pentathlete aspects of fencing and shooting during the Olympic Games as well as Goalball during the Paralympic Games. In legacy the Arena will become a multi-sports venue with the flexible seating capacity and facilities necessary to hold a wide range of indoor sports training and local to international competitions and events.
The Handball Arena design team, Make Architects with PTW and Ove Arup and Partners are currently progressing with design development before planning permission is submitted later this year. A construction contractor will be appointed by Spring next year ready for work to start on site in the summer.
ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said: 'This is a quality shortlist for one of the last remaining opportunities to build a permanent Olympic Park venue. The Handball Arena is an important venue both for spectators and athletes during the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the local community and sports teams in legacy. After the Games the venue will cater for indoor sports ranging from Basketball and Handball to Badminton and Gymnastics boosting the sporting facilities provided across the Olympic Park.'
Jules Pipe, elected Mayor of Hackney, said: 'This new multi-sports arena is a major opportunity to develop a world class facility for Hackney residents as part of the legacy of the London 2012 Games. This will contribute to the Council’s continuing investment in sports and leisure facilities to offer all our residents access to healthier lifestyles. We are working with the Olympic Delivery Authority and partners to ensure the venue is developed with the long-term legacy as a priority.'
Recently the local community, sporting groups from across the host boroughs and the rest of London, young people and technical specialists have all provided input into the designs at a number of ODA consultation events ahead of the planning application being submitted.
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For further information please contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 700.
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