Olympic venue details announced

The preferred locations of the central venues for the London 2012 Olympic bid have been unveiled.

The central hub of the key facilities, including an 80,000 capacity stadium, aquatic centre, velodrome, hockey centre and indoor arena, will be located in Stratford and Hackney, east London.

The proposal means that more than half the events would be held within a 15 minute drive of the Olympic village.

The 500-acre site will be set in 1,500 acres of parkland, stretching from the Hackney Marshes to the Thames.

Urban regeneration and facility sustainability are two key goals of the project – the Eastway cycling centre will benefit from a new velodrome and the former Hackey greyhound stadium site will accommodate three new multi-use arenas.

The published proposals also include a suggested afteruse programme, with key facilities remaining for the community.

London 2012 chief executive, Keith Mills said: “We believe the London Olympic model will demonstrate the power of the Olympic spirit to renew the sporting and urban infrastructure of host cities and create lasting legacies for communities.”