Two of our alumni have played a key role in the creation of the Velodrome, which will be one of the most sustainable venues in the Olympic Park in terms of design and construction.
Jonathan Watts, a BSc in General Architectural Studies and MArch graduate, and George Oates who graduated with a MEng in Civil & Architectural Engineering worked together on the roof of the building.
Jonathan became involved in its construction when he joined architecture practice Hopkins after completing his Masters at Bath. “As a keen cyclist I jumped at the opportunity to work on the Velodrome,” he said. “I thought the project had a huge amount of potential and offered me the challenge and scale of development I was looking for.”
Jonathan worked on the upper bowl and roof of the arena over the three and a half years, in collaboration with senior engineer George.
“This was a hugely complex building and every day produced issues and challenges to be solved,” said Jonathan. “I think the key theme with the Velodrome has to be collaboration. All the consultants, client and contractors worked extremely closely together, bound by the shared goal of the Olympics; it was a really motivating driver.
“George and I had an excellent working relationship designing the roof, which really allowed us to be more efficient and innovative. I think we both felt this was something which had been engendered at the University of Bath and really benefited the project.”
“Seeing the huge amount of effort and thought that has been put into ensuring its successful legacy, I feel strongly that it will provide a positive and worthwhile contribution for London and the UK.””
Jonathan said he feels extremely privileged to have been involved in the Olympics, especially in a sport which he is so passionate about.
The £105 million Velodrome cycling arena holds pride of place in the London 2012 Olympic park and is part of a major transformation that has turned a once discarded corner of London into an ultra-modern sports complex that will benefit generations to come.
Situated next to the Olympic and Paralympic Village to the west of the main stadium, the 6,000 seat Velodrome will host Track and Paralympic Track cycling and account for 28 of the Games’ events. Construction began in 2008 and was completed in February 2011.
After the Games a new mountain bike course and road-cycle circuit will be added to create a VeloPark for the local community, sports clubs and elite athletes.