The 4,500-tonne steel structure for the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) has been completed, just ten weeks after construction on the frame started.

The IBC, combined with the Main Press Centre (MPC), will have facilities for around 20,000 broadcasters, photographers and journalists during the Games.

The steel frame of the IBC is 275m long, 104m wide and 21m tall – big enough to house five jumbo jets placed wing-tip to wing-tip. The steel for the IBC has been prepared in Dalton, North Yorkshire, Scunthorpe and Teesside.


With the IBC foundations also complete, work is now underway on the roof lining and work will shortly begin on the flooring and external cladding.

The foundations of the MPC are 50% complete and will be finished in autumn 2009.

Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) Chairman John Armitt said: "The 'big build' is on track with construction underway on all permanent venues.

"The IBC/MPC is a challenging project with a tight deadline and we're on track to provide a quality working environment for media during the Games and flexible employment space for a range of potential legacy tenants and users."

After the Games the facilities will create just under 90,000 sq m of business space with the potential to generate thousands of new jobs.

(CD/BMcC)