The contract to build the world-class White Water Canoe Centre for the London 2012 Games has been awarded by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).

The new facilities at Broxbourne will be constructed by Morrison Construction. They will include a 300m course, warm-up course and finish lake.

The course will be part of a wider parkland area. Path and bridge networks throughout the venue will help spectators get close to the action. After the Games the venue will be a major sporting and leisure attraction.


The venue will also include a reception, café, changing rooms, shop, offices, spectator viewing area, equipment storage and water pump/filtration facilities.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee, said: "This is an important stage in the delivery of a facility that will provide a world-class venue for Games time and an excellent facility for elite athlete and community usage after the Games, living up to our promise of leaving a lasting legacy for sport. The constructors must now develop a challenging Olympic course and develop a community facility which will provide a new experience for beginners. I look forward to seeing the plans for Broxbourne take shape."

With construction work set to begin on site in June, the ODA has also now started a series of health and safety workshops in local schools to teach children about safety around construction sites.

(CD/JM)