Redevelopment of the London Olympic stadium

This was the view of the London Olympic stadium from last week...

Work has just begun on turning it into a multi-use venue which includes removing the 500 tonne floodlight panels and installing a new roof. At 84 metres at its deepest point it will be the longest cantilevered roof in the world and will cover every seat in the stadium. The lower section will have retractable seating to cater for athletics.

In 2015, the stadium will be used for five matches in the Rugby World Cup and in 2016 will become the permanent home of West Ham United Football Club. It will also become the new national competition stadium for athletics in the UK including an annual IAAF Diamond League meeting. The stadium will also host the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships and will also be used for other sporting, cultural and community events.

London 2012 Olympic track revealed

The athletics track at the London 2012 Olympic stadium has been completed. It is made of a synthetic rubber and has been designed to help athletes run fast times. Five world records were set on a similar surface in Beijing. The 80,000-capacity stadium is nearing completion with the latest anticipated final cost of the work being £486m. The track will be covered to protect it from the elements while other work continues at the Stadium.