Architecture

London Aquatics Centre was originally designed by world-renowned, award winning architect Zaha Hadid in 2004.

The concept of the centre was inspired by moving water, creating a space to mirror the surrounding riverside landscapes of the Olympic Park.  The Centre was designed for legacy, with the temporary spectator wings that increased the required 17,500 audience capacity for the Games removed before the Centre opened for public swimming in 2014. 

Seating capacity of the venue is 2,800, with an additional 1,000 seats available for major events. Since the Games, works were completed outside of the venue, removing the temporary seating stands and installing glass and doors along the sides of the centre.

In total, an impressive 628 panes of glass and 8 external doors were installed in London Aquatics Centre, allowing lots of natural light into the pool. Inside, the venue has been converted into a sport and leisure facility for the whole community.

Our reception and changing areas welcome up to 800,000 visitors a year who come to experience the venue. Two giant video boards and a timing system record times of aspiring athletes.

The starting blocks, touchpads and lane ropes in the venue today are the actual ones used during the 2012 Games a real legacy for London.

Enquire about a tour!