The event marked the beginning of the ‘big build’ across the Park. Construction will accelerate over the next year when building works start on the other five main venues – the Aquatics Centre, VeloPark, International Broadcast Centre/Main Press Centre and the Olympic Village.

Gordon Brown said: ‘The early start to building work on the Olympic Park site is good news, taking us another step closer to 2012 and the regeneration of one of the country’s most deprived areas. I have no doubt that the construction of the new permanent venues, infrastructure and transport links within the largest new urban park to be created in Europe for 150 years will be a catalyst for lasting social and economic change in east London.’

The first phase of construction on the Stadium site has now begun, three months earlier than planned. Around 4,000 concrete columns are being inserted into the soil, strengthening the area where the Stadium will sit. Floor slabs will then be laid for the base of the ‘bowl’ and the lower tier structures.

Early in 2009 steel structures that will support the Stadium roof will begin to be installed, giving an indication of the final height and scale of the structure.