Venues: Aquatics Centre
During the London 2012 Games, the Aquatics Centre will be the venue for Swimming, Paralympic Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming and the Aquatics discipline of the Modern Pentathlon.
Key facts
Sport: Diving, Swimming, Synchronised Swimming, Paralympic Swimming, Modern Pentathlon
Location: South-east corner of the Olympic Park
Capacity: 17,500
New or existing: New, permanent venue, with temporary extension during the Games
The Aquatics Centre will be the ‘gateway’ to the Olympic Park, with more than two-thirds of spectators expected to enter the Olympic Park over a vast bridge that runs over the top of part of the venue.
The venue was designed by acclaimed international architect Zaha Hadid. It features a spectacular wave-like roof that is 160m long and up to 80m wide, giving it a longer single span than Heathrow Terminal 5.
During the Games
The majority of spectators will be seated in two temporary wings that will be taken down after the Games.
It will have a 50m competition pool, a 25m competition diving pool, a 50m warm-up pool and a ‘dry’ warm-up area for divers. The Water Polo competition will be held next to it in a temporary 5,000-seat venue with competition and warm-up pools.
A new riverside environment alongside the Aquatics Centre has been created for visitors by widening a 550m stretch of the river to the south-west of the venue by 8m.
The two venues will be close to each other in one of the most compact areas of the Olympic Park. To make the best use of the space available, some back-of-house facilities, such as space for broadcasters, catering and security will be shared between the two venues so they run as efficiently as possible.
Getting to the Aquatics Centre during the Games.
After the Games
The Aquatics Centre will be transformed into a facility for the local community, clubs and schools, as well as elite swimmers. The two temporary wings will be removed, leaving 2,500 seats – although it will be possible to increase the capacity to 3,500 for major competitions.
The Aquatics Centre will also have a creche, family-friendly changing facilities and a cafe alongside a new public plaza in front of the building.
Getting ready for 2012
2008
- Construction of the Aquatics Centre begins two months early
2011
- Construction of the Aquatics Centre due to be completed
- Test Event
2012
- More Test Events
- London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
