Strong progress is being made on the world-class White Water Canoe Centre in Broxbourne for the London 2012 Games, with the foundations now complete.

More than 500 concrete piles have been driven up to 16 metres into the ground to form the foundations of the venue facilities building and Olympic course start pool.

Work is now underway on the base of the venue facility building. Early in 2010 concrete works will begin on the canoe course.

The Centre will host the Canoe Slalom events during the Olympic Games. After the Games, the venue will be owned, funded and operated by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

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It will be a sporting and leisure facility for canoeing and white-water rafting for the community, as well as a major competition and training venue for elite events.

Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive David Higgins said: "Broxbourne will be a world-class venue before, during and long-after the 2012 Games.

"We have made good progress on site over the last six months and the early completion of foundation works is an important milestone, giving us good momentum as we head into 2010 when construction work will reach its peak."

The venue is due to be finished ahead of 2012, providing early benefits for the local community and training facilities for people of all abilities before the Games begin.

(CD/BMcc)