Shortlist for games venue after Olympics

THREE companies have been named as the final shortlist to take over the newly-built aquatics centre and handball arena after the London 2012 Games.

Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), Parkwood Leisure and Serco Group have been shortlisted as potential operators for the 269 million aquatics centre and the 43 million handball arena, which becomes a sport, entertainment, cultural and business events venue after 2012. Both venues are due to reopen in 2014.

The chosen operator from this shortlist will be appointed in early 2012, the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) said.

Both venues are set to focus on improving sports participation and offer programmes which cover coaching and community use.

The aquatics centre will have 2,500 seats, which can be increased to 3,500. It will become a centre for community and competitive swimming.

Peter Tudor, the OPLC's venues director, said the company is "delighted" by the calibre of the shortlisted companies.