Aquatics Centre site takes shape

Eleven industrial buildings have been demolished on the site and around 80,000 tonnes of soil have been dug out on what has been one of the more challenging and complex areas of the Olympic Park.

Much of the soil was cleaned of pollutants including petrol, oil, tar and heavy metals such as arsenic and lead.

Around 40,000 tonnes of clean soil taken from other areas of the Park - enough to fill nine 50-metre swimming pools - will be brought on to the site in preparation for construction to start in the summer.

Other progress on the Aquatics Centre site includes the installation of over 500 metres of river walls, allowing the river to be widened by up to eight metres. This will provide improved habitats for wildlife and better public access to the riverside.

During the Games the 17,500-seat Aquatics Centre will host Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo finals and elements of Modern Pentathlon.

After the Games the temporary seating will be removed, providing a 2,500 capacity swimming venue for elite competition and a facility for local community and school use.

Read the full media release.