Search is on for Olympic Velopark designer and construction advisors

World class designers and construction experts are being sought by the London Development Agency, which is letting a host of contracts on behalf of the government, to progress work for London’s Bid for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Following the recent announcement that the search for a designer for the Olympic Park (excluding venues and infrastructure) has begun, the London Development Agency is now seeking a designer for the Olympic Velopark.

The Velopark will contain state-of-the-art cycling facilities planned for the Olympic Park site in East London, including a velodrome and an international standard BMX racing track. The designer for the Velopark will be appointed regardless of the outcome of London 2012 Olympic bid, as legacy funding for an international Velopark has been agreed by Sport England, the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, TfL and the London Development Agency.

In addition, the London Development Agency, lead backer of the bid, is seeking to accredit a specialist panel of demolition and remediation contractors and appoint an adviser to monitor the environmental impact of all engineering, remediation and demolition work.

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: "London already has outline planning permission in place for its Olympic Park. This means we would be ready to start work from the moment the IOC makes its decision on 6 July. We intend that the setting of the Olympic Park will not only be world-beating in design, but also respectful of the environment now and for generations after 2012."

Tony Winterbottom, Executive Director for Regeneration and Development at the London Development Agency, said: "Beginning the procurement process now means that London will be on its marks and ready to go if the bid succeeds in July.  We will not waste time in delivering these games."

Sebastian Coe, Chairman of London 2012, said: "Delivery is crucial to the International Olympic Committee. Many people don’t realise that we already have 60 per cent of our venues for 2012 in place. This puts real momentum behind our legacy plans."

Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, said: This is another significant step forward for the VeloPark and shows our commitment to building a first class facility for the sport whatever the outcome in July. Proceeding with the appointment of the design team now also sends a credible message about our commitment to building a legacy that will benefit the whole of London and the region.

Media Contacts: Greg Rosen or Oliver Roberts in the LDA Press Office - 020 7954 4552/4206

Notes to Editors:

The London Development Agency has invited expressions of interest from consultants for the Velopark designer, demolition and remediation contracts and the environmental adviser by 2pm on 3 June 2005. Expressions of interests for the Contractor panel for the demolition and remediation work at the Olympic Park have been invited by 2pm on 1 June 2005.

The agency will then invite shortlisted firms to submit formal tenders during the course of July 2005.