The London Development Agency has begun its search for an architect to design the Olympic velopark, it was announced this week.

The building, to be situated on the Olympic park site in east London, will go ahead regardless of the outcome of London鈥檚 2012 bid. It will consist of a velodrome and a BMX racing track.

The LDA will invite shortlisted firms to submit formal tenders during July, and said it was hoping the scheme would attract an 鈥渆xciting鈥� designer.

A spokesperson said: 鈥淲e are looking for good, exciting designers for the project. It is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in an extremely significant scheme at the heart of the 2012 Games.鈥�

The LDA is also seeking to accredit a specialist panel of demolition and remediation contractors to prepare the Olympic site. An adviser will be appointed to monitor the environmental impact of all such work.

London mayor Ken Livingstone said that minimising environmental impact was key to the project.: 鈥淲e intend the setting of the Olympic park not only to be world-beating in design, but also respectful of the environment now and for generations after 2012,鈥� he said.

Livingstone said that construction work On the Olympic park could begin immediately after the International Olympic Committee reaches its decision.

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