Work begins on 2012 Olympic pool

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The cost has ballooned to around £300m

Construction work has begun on the aquatics centre for London's 2012 Olympics, two months ahead of schedule.

The 17,500-seat venue in Stratford, east London, will host swimming, diving and water polo events during the games.

But the centre had to be redesigned and its cost has risen from £75m to more than £300m.

Lord Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, said: "We are leaving facilities for Londoners for the next 50 years."

The Olympics Delivery Authority (ODA) said it began construction earlier than planned as progress had been made in clearing and cleaning the site.

However, the centre will still be completed by 2011, two years later than originally planned.

First glimpse of the aquatics centre

It has been designed by Zaha Hadid, who may be consulted again as some of the final details could be changed.

ODA chairman John Armitt said: "You are designing as you build, this is all very normal."

The centre's two 50-metre swimming pools and diving pool will be made available for public use after the games, to be managed by the local Newham Council.

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "We want a massive legacy for our population.

"We want more for our people - I want to make it the best possible Games for local people."

But Olympics minister Tessa Jowell said: "They know what they want but we have to make sure there is money to pay for it."