Glass work gives aquatics centre a new look

The post-Olympic conversion of the £280 million Olympic aquatics centre is moving ahead with completion of a glass facade.

The last of more than 600 panes was installed in recent days to highlight architect Zaha Hadid’s stringray-shaped design. Two unsightly wings that formed temporary seating for the Games were taken down earlier this year. Once work is completed, the centre, which has two 50 metre pools and a 25 metre diving pool, will have a capacity of 2,500 with the option of adding a further 1,000 seats for major events at the Stratford park.

It will open to the public next autumn with a swim costing as little as £4. Among the aquatic activities on offer will be aqua-aerobics and synchronised swimming.