During the Olympic Games the Aquatic Centre will act as a gateway to the Olympic Park. When completed in July 2011 it will have a capacity of 17,500. It will host the swimming and diving events at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will have two 50 metre swimming pools: one 8 lane training pool at a depth of 2 metres and one 10 lane competition pool. There will also be a separate diving pool.

After the Games the Aquatic Centre will be reduced in capacity to its permanent legacy form. It will leave 2,500 permanent seats, capable of expanding to a capacity of 3,500 for events. The pools will have moveable floors and bulkheads, allowing the pools to be altered in length and depth. A permanent dry-land training facility will be provided for diving, strength and conditioning activities for performance athletes. The facility will have a focus for community use as well as providing a high performance training venue for athletes wishing to develop. It will also include a crèche and café amenities.

VisitBritain set out recent research which highlights the potential benefits which the 2012 Olympic Games could bring to the tourism industry. Did you know that sports visitors stay nearly twice as long 14 compared with 8 as the average overseas visitor to the UK?