Olympic water polo to get inflatable roof

Planners have given London 2012 Olympic organisers permission to build a temporary water polo centre with an inflatable roof.

The silver-coloured venue, next to the striking aquatics centre in the south of the Olympic Park, will have a sloping rippling roof, made of air-inflated recycled PVC cushions.

The lightweight roof will provide extra insulation and reduce condensation, organisers said.

"The Water Polo Arena is a distinctive and dynamic addition to the entrance to the Olympic Park," Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive David Higgins said in a statement.

"Its innovative shape and lightweight structure will look great and work well for spectators and athletes alike."

Construction on the asymmetric 5,000-seater venue, designed by David Morley Architects, is due to start next spring, and be finished by the spring of 2012.

Contractors and suppliers have yet to be appointed.

The venue will have a silver PVC membrane covering a steel structure as well as translucent shard-shaped panels. It is due to be dismantled after the Games and moved elsewhere either in full or in part.

"Bringing Water Polo into the Olympic Park and locating it right next to the Aquatics Centre at the 'Gateway to the Games' will be a huge boost to the profile of the sport," said Sebastian Coe, chairman of the Games organising committee.

Reuters