Search begins for Olympic Velodrome construction contractor

The 6,000 seat Velodrome, to be based in the north of the Olympic Park, will host the Olympic and Paralympic indoor Track Cycling events and will be one of the 'Big 4' permanent venues in the Olympic Park.

Construction companies are invited to bid to construct a permanent Velodrome for Games time and legacy. The construction contract will run in parallel to a design competition launched earlier this year where shortlisted teams have been asked to put forward concept designs for the VeloPark.

The chosen contractor to construct the Velodrome is expected to be announced in March 2008 and will then be joined by the winning design team to develop detailed designs. One of the ODA's Milestones to Beijing set out last month is to let the contracts and agree the designs of the 'Big 4' venues by August 2008. Construction will start in early 2009.

David Higgins, Chief Executive of the ODA, said: "This is an opportunity for a major construction company to build a world-class Velodrome fit for the best athletes in the world and to leave a lasting legacy for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

"We are committed to the highest standards of design excellence so the winning contractor will be joined by our chosen design team to create a venue fit to stage the Games while also providing a landmark building for future generations to enjoy."

The start of the search for a construction contractor follows news this weekend that Olympic champion Chris Hoy, who will join the ODA's design jury to help choose the winning blueprint for the VeloPark, set a new 500m cycling world record in Bolivia. Speaking of his involvement in the development of the Olympic VeloPark, Chris Hoy said: "I am delighted to be on the panel that will be selecting a design team for the VeloPark and it promises to be a fantastic venue for both the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and in legacy."

A notice has been posted on the ODA's e-tendering website inviting companies to bid to construct the Velodrome. A separate contract notice will follow at a later date to build a temporary BMX circuit in the Olympic Park to host Olympic BMX events.

After the Games, the BMX circuit will be repositioned next to the Velodrome with a road cycle circuit and mountain bike course added to create a legacy VeloPark that will be unique worldwide in combining cycling facilities across all disciplines in one cycling 'hub'. The VeloPark will also be connected to the Sustrans National Cycle Network, linking the new facilities into cycle routes across London.

Notes to editors:

1. Lee Valley Regional Park Authority will own and operate the Velopark in legacy.