The 6,500 capacity arena features copper cladding, natural lighting shafts and multi-coloured seating with a retractable lower tier. The venue will host the men’s and women’s preliminary stages and the women’s quarter-finals for the Handball competition, the Fencing discipline of the Modern Pentathlon, and Goalball during the Paralympic Games. Interior features 47 internal rooms and 136 toilet cubicles.
Sustainability played a prominent role in the design of the venue. The copper cladding includes a high recycled content while the field of play can be naturally illuminated through 88 rooftop sun-pipes. The sun-pipes provide greater illumination than similar-sized conventional lights and energy savings of up to 40%. The system can also be switched off to allow electrical lighting for television broadcasting or in case of poor weather. The venue also features a rain harvesting system that reduces water usage by 40% by feeding water into toilets and other non-potable systems.
Post the 2012 Olympic Games, capacity at the arena will be increased to accommodate up to 7500 spectators and it will be converted into a multi-use venue for community use, athletic training and events. The retractable tier of lower seating is aimed at allowing the venue to be used for a range of international competitions and community sports such as basketball, handball, badminton, boxing, martial arts, netball, table tennis and volleyball.
Plans also include addition of a health and fitness club with changing facilities and a café for use by the local community. A new permanent piece of public art by internationally renowned artist Monica Bonvicini will be constructed on the plaza of the Handball Arena Park later this year.
The Handball Arena was built by Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd, based in Stowe, Bucks.
