Planning committee and GLA still to give 7,000-seat venue go-ahead

The 2012 handball arena, designed by architect Make, has been given the green light by the Olympic Delivery Authority.

Organisers of the games said construction of the 7,000-seat venue should begin in the summer after the ODA planning committee gave it the go-ahead. The application still needs to be rubber-stamped by the Greater London Authority.

David Higgins, ODA chief executive, said: “This 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.”

The venue will host handball events during the Olympics and provide facilities for sports including badminton and five-a-side football in legacy. Seating will be reduced to 6,000 after 2012.

The design team also includes Arup and PTW.

Building the 2012 Olympics