Work is under way lifting the 2800-tonne wave-shaped roof of the Zaha Hadid designed London 2012 Aquatics Centre. The lift is considered one of the most complex engineering and construction challenges of the Olympic Park 'big build'.

The Aquatics Centre will mark the 'gateway' to the Olympic Park during the 2012 Games and in legacy will provide elite and community facilities that London does not currently have, including two 50m swimming pools and a diving pool.

The steel being lifted to form the 160m long, 11,000 sq m sweeping roof is fabricated in Newport from plate rolled in Gateshead, Motherwell and Scunthorpe.

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ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said: "The Aquatics Centre is on track to be a fantastic gateway to the Games and provide swimming and diving facilities in legacy that London does not currently have.

"The lift of the sweeping wave-shaped roof is one of the toughest construction and engineering challenges on the Olympic Park and will showcase the world class expertise involved in delivering the venues and infrastructure for London 2012.

"Different parts of the country are playing a part with the structure being built in London but made in Scotland, Wales and the north of England."

Once the steel roof is in place this summer work will begin on the aluminium roof covering. Installation will then start next year on the timber cladding of the ceiling which will sweep outside to cover the northern roof supports.

The foundations of the permanent venue are complete and work will begin on the pool structure once the steel roof is complete.

(CD/JM)