WORK HAS STARTED on the field of play at London 2012’s Olympic Stadium.
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The news comes as those involved with the stadium construction celebrate the project’s second anniversary.
The 2012 organisers announced in a press release today that “The centre of the Stadium has been cleared of cranes and other equipment so work can begin on creating the correct ground conditions for the running track and the turf for the field events. Over the coming months, ducts and a drainage system will be installed and the base layers will be laid in preparation for laying the turf and track next year.”
Olympic Delivery Authority Chairman John Armitt said: “The Olympic Stadium will be at the heart of the action in 2012 and its image will be beamed to billions of people across the world.”
“Only two years ago, the Stadium site was a flat piece of ground. A huge amount has been achieved since then with the venue now structurally complete and at its full height. Work is progressing on covering the roof and the first seats will be fitted this summer. The continuing progress means the Stadium is still on track to be completed a whole year before the London 2012 Games.”
Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee, said: “The Stadium will leave an inspirational legacy and we hope the whole Games time experience will reach young people throughout the world and encourage them to take up sport.”
Construction of the stadium began in May 2008 with the following progress made to date:
– more than 4,500 reinforced concrete columns installed as the foundations;
– 12,000 pre-cast concrete terracing units for the seating installed;
– all five bridges and their abutments in place, connecting the Stadium island to the rest of the Park;
– work has begun on the fit-out of the 700 rooms and spaces within the Stadium, including fitting toilets and tiling showers in the changing rooms;
– the 450-tonne cable net roof structure has been lifted into place;
– 14 lighting towers which sit 60 metres above the field of play have been lifted into place and the fitting of the power cables has started;
– a quarter of the cable net roof has already been covered with a fabric material, which will provide the correct conditions for athletes on the field of play and cover two-thirds of spectators; and
– landscaping work has begun including trees planted, a green wall installed and the trial sowing of meadows which will flower in this summer.
More:
LondonNet’s guide to the London 2012 Olympics
London 2012 Olympics (Official site)
