More than 300 workers are now on the Olympic Village site putting in place its foundations. Concrete columns are being inserted into the soil to reinforce the ground where the first blocks of the Village will sit.

The latest designs show how the housing units may look, as well as courtyard areas, pedestrian walkways and the new open spaces that will be created in the Village.

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said: "The Olympic Village will be one of the strongest legacies from the Games by delivering quality new homes for Londoners, many of which will be affordable, together with new parks, public squares and community facilities.

"This will be a world-class development and some of Europe’s most talented architects and landscape designers will help ensure design excellence continues to play an essential role in the delivery of this project."

The Village will accommodate athletes during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.