UK’s largest indoor ski centre set for Olympic Park site, Boris Johnson announces

It will be more than twice as large as any other in the UK if the planning application from Westfield Stratford City to the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) is successful.

In a move which Mr Johnson claimed underscored the “massive confidence” investors have in the future of the area, the development would also include hotels, restaurants and more shops.

The announcement followed confirmation of contracts worth almost £70million being handed to firms to prepare the Olympic Stadium for its future use.

The LLDC and Newham Council unveiled details of contracts to ensure the stadium can deliver the legacy promised ahead of London 2012.

Announcing the agreements - worth a total of £67.5m - London Mayor Boris Johnson said on Thursday: “A huge amount of work lies ahead, but we now look towards an even brighter future for what is an already stunning sporting arena.”

Newham Council is contributing up to £40m for the project under the terms of its partnership with the LLDC, in return for a 35 per cent equity share in the Stratford site.

In the biggest of three deals announced, engineering giant Balfour Beatty was handed a £41m contract to replace the stadium’s existing roof to cater for new retractable seating.

Plumbing and electrical work will be carried out by engineering group Imtech G&H after a £25million deal was agreed. Construction company Carey’s PLC was awarded £1.5m to carry out preparatory work for Balfour Beatty.

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales said the improvements would be vital in delivering the long term legacy promised during the bidding process.

“The stadium partially achieved this, but the improvements being made will take it to another level and ensure that it is a world class multi-use stadium that will be the envy of the world,” he added.

The works will be completed by spring 2015 in time for the Rugby World Cup, during which games will be played at the stadium.