The first stage of the programme to regenerate a key waterway within the Olympic Park has been completed.

Over 700 steel piles, each weighing up to 11 tonnes, have been driven 18 metres into the ground along the river adjacent to the Aquatics Centre. This process will allow the old concrete river walls to be removed, with around 70,000 tonnes of materials to be excavated from the site.

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New walls will then be constructed, widening the river by eight metres, stabilising the river banks and making it more accessible.

David Higgins, Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority, said: "The rivers and canals that intersect the Olympic Park and the surrounding area are currently polluted, neglected and under-used. We will regenerate the tow paths and waterways, remodelling over 3.5km of riverbanks, widening wetland areas and improving the water quality, levels and wildlife habitats."

Significant progress is also being made to create a new lock and water control structure on Prescott Lock, which will provide freight traffic with improved access during the construction phase of the project.

(GK/JM)