Teams have five weeks to come forward with expressions of interest to create two distinctive areas that will bring people together through a vibrant mix of cultural events, beautiful spaces and recreational uses when the Park opens in 2013 - a year after the London 2012 Games.

The first area is a centre-piece that will be a major public space to welcome crowds to the south park, which will sit between the Aquatics Centre, the Olympic Stadium, the ArcelorMittal Orbit and the 2012 Gardens.

It is hoped the urban landscape will have a South Bank feel with plans for a visitor centre, outdoor events, water features and imaginative play facilities including a skate park.

The second area will be set within the stunning green river valley created for the 2012 Games and this new hub for the north park has the potential to include one of London's best playgrounds, as well as visitor centre with a café and seating terrace, and a large indoor space for local schools and community groups.

"The south park will be London's newest and most exciting public space, welcoming the world to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park," said Andrew Altman, the chief executive of the OPLC.

"With millions of people expected to visit the Park each year, this is a unique opportunity for design teams to create exceptional places that match the stunning mix of iconic venues and parkland that surround them."

The two areas will be a key part of the OPLC's plans to make the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park a unique visitor destination and a focal point for community activity.

The OPLC will be developing a rolling programme of attractions and events both in its venues and open spaces for local, regional, national and international audiences.

They will sit alongside the world-class venues that will remain after the Games and five new neighbourhoods which will be developed on the Park over the next 20 years.

"London is home to some of the finest designers, architects and developers anywhere in the world and I am sure that they will relish the opportunity to take on the challenge of coming up with some truly inspiring visions for what will be a landmark project for east London," said the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

"As part of my Great Outdoors project, we have already seen £225 million ($367 million/€256 million) invested into transforming our public spaces, and the chance to play a key role in shaping the future of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is one that should not be missed."

Interested parties have until August 31, 2011, to submit expressions of interest through a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire.

The bids will then be reviewed and a shortlist of entrants will be asked to produce a concept design in the autumn.

Shortlisted designs will go on display to the public before an expert panel will decide the winners at the end of the year.

"When it opens, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will be the largest new urban park anywhere in Europe," said Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics.

"I want to see the very best designers come forward with plans to compliment the iconic sports buildings already evident on the Park and create a vibrant, exciting and sustainable new space."

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