ODA rubbishes claims the Aquatics Centre is too complex to build

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has hit back at claims that part of the London 2012 Aquatic Centre is too complex to build.

Arguing that the project was ahead of schedule, the ODA said there were no concerns about the design for the Zaha Hadid building or its roof.

It rubbished a report by the BBC, which suggested that the potential supplier of materials for the roof of the £303m building was concerned about the materials being considered.

The ODA said the designers had worked closely with engineers Arup and contractor Balfour Beatty to finalise the construction plan for the roof.

The team is currently considering different types of timber cladding for the internal ceiling of the venue and the sides of the roof supports.

It will test the timber selected for six to 12 months before installation in 2010.

ODA aquatics centre project sponsor John Nicholson said Balfour Beatty was on site and ready to start construction this month.

He said: “As is standard on any project we are progressing the detailed design development which includes considering a range of materials for particular elements, such as timber cladding.”