Architects chosen for Olympic contract

The consortium chosen from a shortlist of six to draw up plans for holding the 2012 Olympic Games in London has been announced.

EDAW, in partnership with HOK Sport, which designed the new Wembley Stadium, Foreign Office Architects and Allies and Morrison, won the contract to develop the main Olympic area in the Lower Lea Valley in east London.

If the London wins the Games bid, one of the UK's poorest areas will be transformed into a world class venue.

London mayor Ken Livingstone said he was confident EDAW would produce a plan that would "impress and inspire" the International Olympic Committee.

Regeneration of the 1,500 acre site could create about 40,000 jobs, 30,000 homes and 1,000 businesses, supporters of the bid claim.

EDAW, which has been involved in the regeneration of King's Cross in central London, has until January 2004 to finalise the technical details of the bid.

The consortium was chosen by a 12-strong panel, including bid chairwoman Barbara Cassani who formally took office on Friday.

EDAW team leader Jason Prior said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only create an Olympic Games of lasting value but also bring about a stunning transformation of the Lower Lea Valley, which will benefit local people as well as the rest of London."