London 2012 Water Polo Arena gets planning go-ahead

London 2012 Water Polo Arena gets planning go-ahead

27 Aug 2010
Plans for the temporary London 2012 Water Polo Arena, with a distinctive sloping roof, have been approved.

Water Polo Arena gets planning approval

An artist's impression of the Water Polo Arena during the Games
The 5,000-seat venue will host Water Polo during the London 2012 Olympic Games. Its rippling roof will be made of recycled PVC cushions inflated with air that will provide extra insulation.

The lightweight venue has been designed to complement the adjacent Aquatics Centre. Its design will open up views towards the Olympic Stadium at the end of the bridge that the majority of the pedestrians will use to enter the Olympic Park.

Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive David Higgins said: ‘The Water Polo Arena is a distinctive and dynamic addition to the entrance to the Olympic Park. Its innovative shape and lightweight structure will look great and work well for spectators and athletes alike, and it can be reused or recycled after the Games.’

It has been designed to be taken down after the Games and reused elsewhere. Construction is on track to start in spring 2011 and be complete by spring 2012.

Read the full media release