A HANDBALL arena for the 2012 Olympic Games in London is to be built by a Stowe-based firm.
Buckingham Group Contracting has been chosen to build the new arena on the Olympic Park which is currently being constructed east of the city centre.
The arena will feature external copper cladding which will change colour as it ages, with the con
course level including glazing which encircles the building, so visitors can see sport taking place inside. The venue also has retractable seating and 100 light pipes in the ceiling to allow in natural light.
It will host handball preliminary games and quarter-finals, as well as the modern pentathlon disciplines of fencing and shooting during the Olympic Games, and will also be the venue for goalball during the Paralympic Games.
Building work is expected to finish in 2011 in time for test events before the Games.
After the Olympics it will be available as a multi-sports venue with retractable seating for 6,000 spectators and flexible facilities to hold training and competition events. It will cater for a wide range of indoor sports including basketball, handball, badminton, netball and volleyball.
Olympic Delivery Authority chief executive David Higgins said: "This appointment takes us a step closer towards a simple, sustainable and flexible handball arena that works for Games and legacy.
"Construction is on track to start this summer on the arena which will provide a great experience for competitors and spectators during the Games and offer a new facility for local people to enjoy a range of sports in legacy."
Buckingham Group Contracting also built the MK Dons Stadium in Milton Keynes.
