Design competitions for public spaces in the park have been launched

The body in charge of the regeneration of the Olympic site after next year’s games has launched two design competitions for major public spaces in the park.

The Olympic Park Legacy Company has asked for designers, architects, engineers and landscape architects to come forward with plans for a public space to welcome tourists to the south of the park after the Games, and designs for a visitor centre in the north end of the site.

The first design will be to landscape the area that sits between the stadium, the ArcelorMittal Orbit and the 2012 Gardens to give a South Bank feel. The area is planned to include a visitor centre, outdoor events, water features and play facilities including a skate park.

The second space will be in the more open northern end of the park, and is planned to be turned into a hub with new hub one of London’s best playgrounds and a visitor centre with a café and seating terrace. It will include a large indoor space for local schools and community groups.

Andrew Altman, chief executive of the OPLC, said: “The south park will be London’s newest and most exciting public space, welcoming the world to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. With millions of people expected to visit the park each year, this is a unique opportunity for design teams to create exceptional places that match the stunning mix of iconic venues and parkland that surround them.”

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “London is home to some of the finest designers, architects and developers anywhere in the world and I am sure that they will relish the opportunity to take on the challenge of coming up with some truly inspiring visions for what will be a landmark project for east London.”

Interested parties have until 31 August 2011 to submit expressions of interest through a pre qualification questionnaire. The bids will then be reviewed and a shortlist of entrants will be asked to produce a concept design in the autumn.

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