The Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) has announced which design teams have been shortlisted to draw up plans for "two new distinctive areas" to be created in East London.

A major public space is being planned for the southern part of the Olympic Park, which is to be located between the Aquatics Centre, the Olympic Stadium and the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

It is hoped the South Park space will create a urban landscape similar to the South Bank and will incorporate a visitor centre, water features and play facilities.

Meanwhile, a second area to the north of the park will be located in the green river valley and boast a visitor centre and a multi-purpose indoor space for community use.

Five teams have been shortlisted for the South Park competition:

- Paris, France-based Agence Ter working alongside Ireland-based Heneghan Peng; Buro Happold; Arup; Bartenbach LichtLabor of Austria; Gardiner and Theobald

- Gustafson Porter in collaboration with Ireland-based Niall McLaughlin; Arup; and Davis Langdon

- James Corner Field Operations with Arup; Make Architects; tomato; Piet Oudolf; US-based L'Observatoire International; Groundbreaking; Playlink; and Deloitte

- Ken Smith Landscape Architect working in conjunction with US-based Michael Maltzan Architecture and ETM Associates, as well as Buro Happold, Piet Oudolf and Davis Langdon

- Netherlands-based West 8 and Benthem Crouwel Architekten with Buro Happold and Davis Langdon

A further five have been shortlisted for the North Park competition:

- Cottrell Vermeulen Architecture in collaboration with HRW; OR Consulting Engineers; and Stockdale

- David Kohn Architects alongside David Buck; Davies White; Alan Baxter and Associates; and Jackson Coles

- erect architecture working with Tall; Max Fordham; Land Use Consultants; Ashley McCormick; Huntley Cartwright; and Children's Play Advisory Service

- The Landscape Partnership with Sarah Wigglesworth Architects; Jane Wernick Associates; Skelly&Couch; and Turner and Townsend

- Ushida Findlay architects in collaboration with Grant Associates; Arup; Speirs and Major; Davis Langdon; and Play England

The second stage of the contest will see concept designs submitted in November, with a panel of judges to determine the winners by the end of the year.

Newly-appointed OPLC chief of design Kathryn Firth said: "We have a dynamic mix of international and home grown talent that we expect to come forward with cutting edge designs for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park."

Details: www.legacycompany.co.uk

Image: An indicative image of the South Park area