Construction of the Water Polo Arena, one of the final London 2012 venues to be built, has been completed one month ahead of its test events.

Distinguishable by its silver, inflatable roof made from recyclable plastic, the temporary venue will stage the men's and women's Water Polo competitions during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Inside, the wedge-shaped structure has a capacity of 5,000, a warm-up pool and a competition pool, which hold almost three million litres of water.


The temporary Arena was built in just 13 months by firms from across the UK, and will be taken down after the Games, with elements reused elsewhere in the UK.

Dennis Hone, Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) said: "Completing the construction of the Water Polo Arena marks the end of the ODA’s major venue work on the Olympic Park. That we’ve been able to do it using the combined expertise of companies from across the UK shows how British businesses can rise to the challenge of meeting the ultimate deadline – and exceed expectations.

"The unique sloping roof design makes it instantly recognisable and, as with all our venues, huge efforts have gone into sustainability – regardless of the fact that it’s temporary."

(CD/GK)