The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) issued new images showing the testing of the London 2012 Aquatics Centre dive pool and two 50m swimming pools that will host record-breaking performances in 2012 and open to the public after the Games.
The three concrete pools are being tested with over 10 million litres of water before being sealed and lined with 180,000 tiles. Testing of the dive pool and training pool is complete and the competition pool starts being filled this week.
Work is also underway lining the unique 160m-long wave-shaped steel roof, which weighs more than 3,000 tonnes and rests on just three concrete supports. In the coming weeks cladding will start on the curving timber ceiling and work is continuing on the huge 250m and 45m-wide land bridge that forms the main walking access into the Olympic Park and the roof of the training pool.
The Aquatics Centre is on track to be complete in summer 2011 ready for Test Events and after the Games will provide two 50m swimming pools with moveable floors and separation booms, a diving pool and dry diving area for the full range of community and elite use.
ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said: 'The Aquatics Centre is on track for completion in mid-2011 and the sweeping roof that will form the ‘Gateway to the Games’ is now a fixture in the skyline alongside the Olympic Stadium. Testing the pools is major milestone for the construction of the Aquatics Centre which in legacy will provide a range of swimming and diving facilities and become a new London landmark.
'The Olympic Park "big build" is on track and within budget as we move through our toughest year, with the workforce and activity on site reaching its peak.'
London 2012 Organising Committee Chairman Sebastian Coe said: 'The Aquatics Centre is going to be a spectacular venue for the Games in 2012 and its unique roof will be a wonderful addition to the east London skyline. At Games-time, 17,500 excited spectators will be able to "raise the roof" cheering on the swimmers, including our British medal hopefuls, and in legacy it will become a much-needed elite and community facility. We are making great progress – and are fully on track with this iconic gateway to the Olympic Park.'
Andrew Altman, Chief Executive of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, which is responsible for the long term planning, management and maintenance of the Olympic Park and venues after the Games, said: 'The Aquatics Centre will be an iconic building and a thriving centre for community use in the Park after the Games. Its two 50m pools and a 25m diving pool will also offer elite swimmers a world-class training facility.'
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