The London 2012 Olympic Velodrome has won an award - some nine months before the cycling even begins.

On Thursday it emerged that the Velodrome, designed by Hopkins Architects on behalf of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), had been awarded the Prime Minister's Better Public Award at a ceremony in London.

The news comes less than a week after the huge cycling circuit was beaten to the UK's RIBA Stirling Prize by architect Zaha Hadid's second straight year win for her school in Brixton, south London.

According to the designers, the Velodrome is one of the most sustainable venues on the Olympic Park in terms of design and construction.

Olympic Delivery Authority Chair John Armitt said: "The Velodrome was the first venue to be announced as structurally complete on the Olympic Park and it has quickly become a symbol of smart and sustainable design that demonstrates the best of British talent."

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The build was led by decisions on sustainability; such as the sourcing of wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council to be used on the track and external cladding and the installation of a 100% naturally ventilated system.

The design of the venue makes optimal use of natural light, reducing the need for electric lighting.

It also has a low cable net roof system, creating an amazing atmosphere for spectators whilst reducing the amount of space to heat and ventilate.

Construction Minister Mark Prisk said: "The London 2012 Games are a golden opportunity for the UK construction industry to showcase the very best that Britain has to offer.

"With investment in sporting event related infrastructure estimated to be $200 billion over the next decade, the opportunity for UK business to grow is huge.

"I'm pleased that this award has gone to such a deserving building, I only hope it’s the first of many British gold medals that the velodrome will see."

The award is part of the British Construction Industry Awards. It is sponsored jointly by the Cabinet Office and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

(DW/BMcC)