The initial design of the stadium envisaged it being wrapped in fabric but this plan was dropped to save £7m.
Dow will produce a sustainable, fabric wrap comprising 336 individual panels – each approximately 25m high and 2.5m wide. Installation will be completed by spring 2012.
Sports minister Hugh Robertson said: “At the Comprehensive Spending Review last autumn, the government could see the benefit of the wrap but did not feel the taxpayer should pay for it as we looked to make savings across the project. But I am delighted that a private sector company has taken up the opportunity which will become a major feature of the Olympic stadium.”
LOCOG chair Sebastian Coe welcomed the announcement: “The stadium will look spectacular at Games time and having the wrap is the icing on the cake. I’m delighted that Dow as one of the newer worldwide partners of the Olympic movement will be providing it and importantly doing it in a sustainable way. It reflects our vision and is a real statement of intent from Dow about their commitment to the Games.”
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
.gif)
