Plans for the parkland areas within the London 2012 Olympic Park have been approved by the Olympic Delivery Authority Planning Committee.

The Park is on the site of former industrial land, much of it contaminated through years of industrial neglect. It has now had the go ahead to be transformed into 100 hectares of parklands, providing a colourful setting and festival atmosphere both during and after the Games.

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Visitors to the Park during the Games will enjoy broad sweeping lawns and footpaths leading down to riverbanks. It also includes seating areas and public spaces with live screens showing the sporting action.

After the Games the southern area of the Park will focus on retaining the festival atmosphere from the Games, with riverside gardens, markets, events, cafes and bars. The northern area will use the latest environmental techniques to manage rain water while providing quieter public space and habitats for hundreds of existing and rare species, from kingfishers to otters.

World-class contractors are currently being selected to start creating the 100 hectare park on track this spring 2009.

(CD/JM)