Prime Minister David Cameron inside the Handball ArenaThe occasion was marked by a visit to the venue by Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, as they announced new measures to support youth employment. They also met apprentices working on the Olympic Park.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:‘That this great venue has been completed on time and within budget is testament to the hard work, expertise and skills of the Olympic Park workforce. We are on track to stage a fantastic Olympic and Paralympic Games in London next summer.’
Construction started on the arena in July 2009. The venue includes unique copper cladding, natural lighting shafts and multicoloured seating, of which the lower tier is retractable.
Olympic Delivery Authority Chairman John Armitt said: ‘The Handball Arena milestone is another example of just how far we have come since construction started on the Olympic Park three years ago. The arena is compact, sustainably built and will provide an excellent sports and community venue for London long after the Games are over.’
