News
Date: May 23rd 2008 Project: London 2012 Olympic Stadium
The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has begun work on the Olympic Stadium - three months earlier than originally planned
The Stadium will be the centerpiece for the London 2012 Games with more than 4 billion people across the world watching the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and the track and field events. The work to create the permanent foundations for the Stadium was witnessed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown who had an opportunity to meet workers on site. In the next few years over a thousand workers will help build the venue.
Visiting the Olympic Park site, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: 'The Olympic and Paralympic Games will mark a fantastic celebration in 2012 as Britain hosts the world's greatest sporting event. The Games offer a unique opportunity to change the lives of young people through sport and the positive effects will be felt long after the Games have finished. The early start to building work on the Olympic Park site is good news, taking us another step closer to 2012 and the regeneration of one of the country’s most deprived areas. I have no doubt that the construction of the new permanent venues, infrastructure and transport links within the largest new urban park to be created in Europe for 150 years will be a catalyst for lasting social and economic change in east London.'
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'Starting the Stadium construction three months ahead of schedule is a tremendous achievement and I congratulate those who have worked tirelessly and professionally to make this happen. As I told the International Olympic Committee this week, I am determined to make sure that London does the Games proud, and that the Games leave a lasting legacy which every Londoner can enjoy and be proud of.'
The first phase of construction involves reinforcing the ground on which the Stadium will sit upon by inserting up to 4,000 concrete columns into the soil. This forms the permanent foundations for the Stadium structure. Through the autumn and winter of 2008, floor slabs will be laid for the base of the Stadium 'bowl' and the lower tier structures, and the columns that support the pedestrian concourse level will be built.
Early in 2009 the erection of the steel structures that will support the Stadium roof will begin to rise, giving an indication of the final height and scale of the structure.
For further information please contact
Helen Caswell at HOK Sport (London)
Telephone +44 (0)20 8874 7666
Facsimilie +44 (0)20 8874 7470
Email media@hoksve.com