02 May 2007
The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) today called for 'flair and innovation' to meet the unique challenge of designing the major London 2012 temporary venues.
Launching the search for design teams for the Basketball and Fencing arenas the ODA said it was looking for innovative and practical design solutions as the scale of venues would be unlike usual temporary sporting facilities.
The London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games requires large temporary venues, up to 90 metres long and 12,000 seating capacity, that are light-weight, economical, and simple to assemble and dismantle. They must also meet high safety standards and host test events in the Olympic Park a year before the Games.
The OJEU contract notice for Basketball and Fencing design teams will be followed later this year by design team contracts for the Hockey stadia and facilities at Eton Manor, which will be a training area during the Olympic Games and host Archery and Tennis events during the Paralympic Games. After the Games it will form a new sports cluster for elite and community use.
ODA Director of Design and Regeneration, Alison Nimmo, said: "We are only committed to building permanent venues in the Olympic Park where there is a long term legacy use for them. That means adopting an innovative approach to temporary venues.
"We are looking for solutions that combine design flair and innovation with practicality and cost efficiency. At the same time we are investigating how these facilities could be best utilised after the Games."
ODA Principal Design Advisor, Ricky Burdett, said: "We are looking for multi-disciplinary design teams to think creatively not only about how these important temporary venues will be designed but also how they will be engineered and delivered. It is a challenge. But it is also an exciting opportunity to showcase the latest technology and components available to create unique venues, within a tight budget and deadline."
An OJEU contract notice has been issued for design teams for the Basketball and Fencing arenas. The 12,000 capacity Basketball arena will also host the Wheelchair Rugby and Basketball during the Paralympic Games. The 8,000 capacity Fencing arena will also host 4,000 spectators for the Paralympic Wheelchair Fencing.
Notes to Editors- The deadline for design teams to submit Pre-Qualification Questionnaires is 4 June 2007. The ODA intends to shortlist between five and eight design teams to tender for each venue, with appointment expected in the Autumn. The procurement of construction contractors will begin in early 2008 with construction due to complete in 2011 ahead of test events. The ODA is looking to procure individual venue design teams although designers may bid for more than one package.
- To ensure continuity between temporary venues across the park the ODA will manage a collaborative approach with and between each temporary venue design team. The ODA will play an overarching role ensuring, for example, standard designs and suppliers for certain elements, such as seating, incorporate common components.
Media Enquiries - Contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on 020 3 2012 700
