UK-based David Morley Architects has designed the 5,000-seat venue, which will host Water Polo during the 2012 Olympic Games. The facility has been designed in such a way that it can be relocated and reused elsewhere either in full or in sections.
The asymmetric Water Polo venue will be wrapped in silver membrane with translucent shard shaped panels. Its rippling roof made of air-inflated recycled phthalate-free PVC cushions offers extra insulation and reduced condensation. The roof slopes up from the main pedestrian entrance to the Olympic Park. The lightweight venue has been designed to complement the adjacent Aquatics Centre and offers views towards the Olympic Stadium at the end of the bridge.
The venue contains a competition pool measuring 37m by 23m by 2m deep and a slightly smaller warm-up pool. It provides step-free access without the need for lifts. The facility reduces water use by 40% through low flow taps and showers and waterless urinals.
Contractors and suppliers will be appointed to deliver the venue through the existing ODA managed package frameworks set up to deliver a range of temporary and smaller permanent venues. Construction is on track to start in early 2011 and will be completed by early 2012.
After the games the riverside site to the north of the Aquatics Centre will be developed by the Olympic Park Legacy Company.
