Aquatics Centre

Designed by acclaimed international architect Zaha Hadid, the Aquatics Centre features a spectacular wave-like roof that is 160m long and 80m at its widest point. More than 180,000 tiles line the 50m competition and training pools and the diving pool. During the Games the majority of spectators will be seated in two temporary wings that will be taken down afterwards. The Aquatics Centre will have a 50m competition pool, a 25m competition diving pool, a 50m warm-up pool and a 'dry' warm-up area for divers. The Water Polo competition will be held next to it in the temporary Water Polo Arena, which will have competition and warm-up pools. The two venues will be close to each other in one of the most compact areas of the Olympic Park. After the Games, the Aquatics Centre will be transformed into a 2,500-seat facility for the local community, clubs and schools, as well as elite swimmers. Although the two temporary wings will be removed, it will be possible to increase the seating capacity for major competitions. Test events: Modern Pentatlon - July 9, 2011; Diving - February 20-26, 2012; Swimming - March 3-10, 2012; Synchronised Swimming - April 18-22, 2012; Water Polo - May 3-6, 2012