VeloPark

Where is it?

The VeloPark will be built in the north of the Olympic Park and is made up of a Velodrome and BMX Circuit.

Getting ready

A world-class consortium made up of Hopkins Architects, Expedition Engineering, BDSP and Grant Associates has been chosen to design the VeloPark.

The design competition was judged by leading names from the world of architecture and design, as well as Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Chris Hoy.

On site a 35-tonne recycling machine is sorting rubbish from a 100-year-old tip where the VeloPark will be. It is separating up to 500 tonnes of industrial and domestic waste a day into glass, metals, concrete and soil, to be used elsewhere on site or recycled off site. Work is well underway to create the platform for the start of construction work.

A medieval waterway called Hennikers Ditch running along the route of the ancient River Leyton passes through the site of the VeloPark. It is being moved underground, so that the VeloPark can be built on top. A concrete channel is being put into the ground for the water to flow through.

Contractors to build the venue are due to be selected early this year. Construction is due to begin in 2009 and finish in early 2011, to allow for test events before the Games.

During the Games

The permanent 6,000-seat Velodrome will host the indoor Olympic and Paralympic Cycling events. The BMX Circuit will be a permanent BMX track with 6,000 temporary seats.

After the Games

After the Games, a Road Cycle circuit and Mountain Bike course will be added to the Velodrome and BMX Circuit to create a VeloPark for the local community, local clubs and elite athletes.