Major projects update

The 14,500m2 Biota! aquarium in London's Docklands has been put under review due to the credit crunch, reported Building magazine. Intended as the first part of the £1.5bn regeneration of Silvertown Quays in Newham, the building will be put on hold after September due to financing problems encountered by joint developer Silvertown Quays and US-based regeneration company KUD International, and landowner London development Agency.

More than two months after its official opening Heathrow Terminal 5 still has a team of 300 plumbers and electricians working on it, reported Contract Journal. Site sources said the workers, which are costing BA over £250,000 a week, are likely to stay until September. The news follows the revelation that airport operator BAA spent £24m in last minute costs preparing T5 for its March opening.

Piling work on the 2012 Olympic Games athletes' village began this week. Located on the east edge of the Olympic Park site, the scheme will be managed by developer Lend Lease and Bovis Lend Lease will complete construction. While a deal to build the 3,500 homes has yet to be agreed, the ODA said it agreed funding for piling to get the job underway.