The Aquatics Centre built for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games opened its doors to the public this weekend, following Balfour Beatty’s extensive remodelling and reconfiguration works as part of the £300 million legacy transformation of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the London Legacy Development Corporation.
Designed by architect Zaha Hadid and built by Balfour Beatty, the iconic wave-shaped venue accommodated 17,000 spectators during the Games before being transformed into its legacy shape with the number of seats reduced to 2,500.
Housing two 50-metre swimming pools, a diving pool and training facilities, the Aquatics Centre will now be operated by Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL).
“We are delighted that the Aquatics Centre is reopening to the public as this marks the beginning of the history of the pool in legacy mode,” said Stuart Fraser, Balfour Beatty Programme Director.
“The success of the remodelling work is testament to the sustainable construction methods originally utilised, which have ensured we leave a lasting sporting, cultural and commercial legacy.”
During its sustainable transformation, Balfour Beatty removed the 42 metre high temporary stands from either side of the venue and replaced these with glass elevations. Balfour Beatty met the 50% reuse and 50% recycle targets, with materials reused locally and further afield – with steel terracing reused to build a permanent grandstand at the Gulfstream Racecourse in Miami, Florida.
“The Olympic Delivery Authorities’ approach to the London 2012 programme and its sustainability targets set new benchmarks for the construction industry,” added Stuart Fraser. “This helped all of us to improve our systems and make our people and suppliers believe addressing sustainability through design, procurement and construction phases is a collective responsibility.”
Set to become one of the world’s most stunning public swimming pools, the new-look Aquatics Centre forms a key part of a suite of world class energy and resource efficient sporting venues in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – reinforcing Balfour Beatty’s reputation for delivering truly sustainable construction projects.
