Atkins and Populous have unveiled plans for the transformation of London's Horse Guards Parade into the 2012 Olympic beach volleyball venue.

The iconic Whitehall location will boast an outdoor seating bowl able to cater for 15,000 spectators under proposals submitted to Westminster City Council for consideration. Two "distinct elements" comprise the design of the new venue - a lower bowl providing a high energy atmosphere and an upper bowl using nearby landmarks as a backdrop to the event.

Pre-existing modular components will be hired in order to build the proposed venue, while Atkins and Populous have designed it to leave no trace following its dismantling after the Games. Mike McNicholas, Atkins' London 2012 Games project director, said: "A location as prestigious and historical as Horse Guards Parade is a fantastic backdrop for any event, but presents additional questions that do not arise elsewhere.

"We are proud of the technical skills we have brought to bear and believe the temporary structure provides a solution that should be considered more broadly in the future." Populous principal Jeff Keas added: "In a six week period, Horse Guards Parade will not only be the venue for the pageantry and spectacle of Trooping of the Colour and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, but it will host Beach Volleyball for the London 2012 Games."

Meanwhile, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has announced that work is complete on key features of the 2012 mountain bike venue. The Hadleigh Farm venue in Essex is being built on land that is owned by the Salvation Army and adjacent country park, and is to boast a 5km circuit by Games time.

LOCOG chair Sebastian Coe said: "The course is shaping up to be a challenging one with multiple climbs and descents." Image: (c) Team Populous - Horse Guards Parade 2012 Olympic Beach Volleyball Venue