The distinctive wedge-shaped Water Polo Arena, one of the final London 2012 venues on the Olympic Park, has been completed in just 13 months. The 5000-capacity venue was built by a number of UK-contractors.
The venue is wrapped in a distinctive silver membrane with translucent shard shaped panels and its asymmetric shape gives the best sightlines for viewing Water Polo. The sloping roof is made from air-inflated recyclable phthalate-free PVC cushions which provide extra insulation and reduce condensation. The material covers 6710m2.
ES Group, based in Silvertown, east London, built the main structure. The company, which was previously based on the Olympic Park site, was relocated to its current address as part of the relocation of businesses to enable construction to start. Ipswich-based Jackson Civil Engineering Group Ltd undertook the substructure works. Alto Seating Systems Ltd, Redditch, Worcestershire, constructed the seating.A&T/ Barr & Wray (Glasgow) installed the temporary pools. Byrne Group Plc, Teddington, Surrey undertook general building work.
The design team, led by David Morley Architects, also includes Buro Happold and Max Fordham.Balfour Beatty Engineering Services Ltd did the mechanical and electrical work.
Afterwards, the venue will be taken down, with elements reused elsewhere in the UK.
Dennis Hone, Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) said: “Completing the construction of the Water Polo Arena marks the end of the ODA’s major venue work on the Olympic Park. That we’ve been able to do it using the combined expertise of companies from across the UK shows how British businesses can rise to the challenge of meeting the ultimate deadline – and exceed expectations.”
