The body responsible for the long-term development and maintenance of the park after the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics says children will be able to "build dens, grow plants and investigate insects, or climb trees and play on a series of platform walkways, slides and bridges".

It also promises "sand and water play activities where budding engineers can create dams and locks to mimic the changes made to the River Lea after the Games".

The corporation this week unveiled designs for the hub (pictured top and below), which will incorporate a 550 square metre, timber-clad building containing café, offices and a "flexible" space available for use by schools and community groups.


The North Park, where these facilities will be located, is due to start reopening to the public from July 27, 2013 – exactly a year after the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.

A London company, Erect Architecture, won a competition to design the hub alongside LLDC.

Barbara Kaucky, director at Erect Architecture, said she was "confident that the facilities will become a go-to location for both locals and visitors from further afield".

Andrew Altman, LLDC chief executive, said the aim was to begin work on site as soon as the Games finish.

"We have designed an area that not only serves visitors, but encourages them to learn about the natural environment around them," Altman said.

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