Water polo venue for London 2012 to get inflatable roof

London: Planners have given London 2012 Olympic organisers permission to build a temporary water polo centre with an inflatable roof.

The silver-coloured venue, next to the striking aquatics centre in the south of the Olympic Park, will have a sloping rippling roof, made of air-inflated recycled PVC cushions. The lightweight roof will provide extra insulation and reduce condensation, organisers said. "The Water Polo Arena is a distinctive and dynamic addition to the entrance to the Olympic Park," Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive David Higgins said in a statement. "Its innovative shape and lightweight structure will look great and work well for spectators and athletes alike."Construction on the asymmetric 5,000-seater venue is due to start next spring and will be finished by the spring of 2012. Contractors and suppliers have yet to be appointed.The venue will have a silver PVC membrane covering a steel structure as well as translucent shard-shaped panels. It is due to be dismantled after the Games and moved elsewhere either in full or in part. Bureau Report