Work starts on Aquatics Centre site

Bid leader Sebastian Coe revealed in Athens that clearance of the site of the Aquatics Centre for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games was due to commence.

Speaking to the world's media yesterday, he said: "The start of the clearing operation tomorrow marks a milestone in bid plans to bring the Games to the UK in 2012 as well as Government efforts to boost participation in swimming and other Olympic sports."

The centre will include two 50 metre pools and a diving pool built to Olympic standards for use by local communities as well as elite national and international swimmers.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone added: "Once the site is prepared and the winning design has been chosen, the detailed plans can be taken forward to put the Aquatics Centre on the map.

"London's bid is forging ahead from the vision to tasting the reality of a London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games."

A shortlist of six architects has been announced after almost 200 firms from around the world expressed an interest in the design competition for the centre, which will be built regardless of the outcome of the 2012 bid.

When the shortlist was announced, Lord Coe said: "We're looking forward to working with some of the most creative designers in the world to help bring the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to London in 2012.

"The Aquatics Centre will leave a lasting legacy for the community and will be in use before the start of the Games.

"This is what the Olympics is all about - bringing better sports facilities to the country and encouraging everyone to take part in sport."

16 August 2004