ODA encourages bidders for main public walkway

The ODA are seeking expressions of interest for a designer to undertake the phased design of the 3 km Greenway, which runs from Victoria Park to West Ham and is currently in a neglected and underused state. The project is also likely to include regenerating a section of towpath alongside the Lea River.

The commission to lead the design of the Greenway, which will form a key walking and cycling route in the lower Lea Valley before, during and after the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is a niche contract that we hope will appeal to smaller and emerging design practices.

ODA Head of Design, Jerome Frost, said:

"This is a great opportunity for an up-and-coming design practice to apply their creativity to revitalising a vital link in the regeneration of the neglected public spaces in and around the Olympic Park area. The Greenway redesign is an important part of improving access for people in East London to attractive public spaces and promoting healthy activities such as walking and cycling."

Notes to Editors

• The ODA is seeking expressions of interest for a contract to undertake design services for the Greenway, the 3km embankment and public way that runs through the Olympic Park from Victoria Park to West Ham, and is also likely to include a section of the Lea navigation towpath from Carpenters Road to the Old Ford Lock.
• Following the receipt of expressions of interest (deadline noon 26 February) a Design Selection Panel will shortlist for interview and tender. Phased work should begin this year with an aim to open the first section to the public in summer 2008 (Stratford High St to Victoria Park and towpath from Carpenters Road to Old Ford Lock) and the full Greenway by 2010.
• The expected value of the contract is beneath the requirement for an OJEU. In the application material the ODA explicitly says it is looking for practices that can demonstrate a high level of creativity and design quality and will "look positively at submissions from emerging practices".
• For more information visit 'tender opportunities' in the business section of the site

Media Enquiries

Contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on 020 3 2012 700