The contractor has been appointed to build the London 2012 Handball Arena, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has announced.

Buckingham Group Contracting won the contract through a highly competitive public procurement process and work is on track to start this summer.

During the Olympic Games the 12,000-seat Arena will host the Basketball preliminaries and quarter-finals, as well as Handball semi-finals and finals. The venue will be used for Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby during the Paralympic Games.

After the Games, the Arena will become a new multi-sports facility able to host a wide range of sporting activities. It will be available for community use, athlete training and small- to medium-scale events.

The Handball Arena design features external copper cladding to give it a distinctive appearance that will develop a rich natural colour as it ages. In addition the venue has a vibrant and multi-coloured interior, with retractable seating to create a flexible space. It also has 100 ‘light pipes’ in the ceiling to allow natural light into the venue.

Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive David Higgins said: ‘This appointment takes us a step closer towards a simple, sustainable and flexible Handball Arena that works for Games and legacy. The Arena will provide a great experience for competitors and spectators during the Games and offer a new facility for local people to enjoy a range of sports in legacy.