2012 on course, but costs rise

On the one hand the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) received a boost when the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), said London 2012 was ahead of previous host cities after two years of development while on the other, it has been revealed that the eventual cost of the controversial Aquatics Centre will be close to £150m – twice the original budget.

Furthermore, the contractors competing for the tender have announced they’re redesigning the centre themselves to make it easier to build.

President Jacques Rogge of the IOC, interviewed in the Daily Telegraph, said London 2012 is even further ahead than Beijing 2008 – previously considered to be the benchmark of Olympic delivery. He said: ‘Reports show that London is ahead – and that includes Beijing, which is almost ready. Beijing has done a tremendous job since the beginning, and now we are one year from the games. I think I will be able to say that again in 2011 because London is progressing extremely well.’

The ODA is on track to have most of the Olympic site cleared and cleaned by summer 2008 and the first earthworks have started in the Olympic park with the excavation of the site for the London 2012 broadcast and press centre.

But the Zaha Hadid-designed Aquatics Centre may double in cost, according to an ODA source, who has suggested that consultants are redesigning the centre for the competing firms – Balfour Beatty, Hochtief and Eiffel – without input from the architect. All three are keen to cut back costs before they submit their bids.

Using Wembley for the games also made the news in June when it was reported that delivery team CLM is investigating whether it is possible to convert Wembley for use as a track and field venue.

It would entail considerable design and construction work. A concrete deck slab would have to be laid on the pitch and an entire tier – 30,000 seats – removed. Andrin Cooper, the FA’s head of media, said: ‘If the plans were to change we’d be open to discussions – we want to support the Olympics in any way we can. It’s possible that Wembley could be used for the opening and closing ceremonies.’