IOC Approves Changes to London 2012 Olympic Park

London 2012 yesterday received formal approval for a series of venue changes at the Olympic Park. The International Olympic Committee's executive board meeting here approved a request from London to abandon its plans for a bespoke fencing venue, reduce the capacity of the handball arena from 10,000 seats to 7,000, and shift the BMX track to a new permanent site within the park.

The alterations to the park layout will produce a significant saving in construction costs, but London 2012 organizers insist that the changes are primarily driven by operational considerations and the desire to leave a legacy of sustainable venues.

Fencing events will move to the ExCel arena outside the Olympic Park, a facility that was not available at the time of London's bid. In addition, the basketball arena originally planned for the southern end of the park will move north, easing congestion in the south.

The BMX park will move to its permanent post-games site next to the velodrome and the handball arena will be re-oriented and reduced in size to leave a multi-sports hall with seating for up to 7,000 people. London organizers felt the original capacity of 10,000 could be unsustainable after the games.

Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, said: "We have always said that our intention was to build truly sustainable venues which will provide a strong elite and community use legacy for sport for generations to come, long after the final race has been run in 2012.

"These small changes to our temporary venue locations in the park are designed to maximize the sporting legacy we leave behind - as well as optimize the games-time experience for athletes and spectators. The IOC has recognized our desire to focus on a tangible legacy and approved these changes today."

Gilbert Felli, the IOC's executive director, said: "Our feeling is that the changes to the venues are not because of the budget. It was because the Olympic green was rather crowded. We are always looking towards sustainability and with the extension of the ExCel arena there was the opportunity to not build a temporary venue, and we are very happy with the move."