Organizers bidding for the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland have unveiled a new “H2O” complex that could host ice events should the city go on to host the Games.
The future Malley Ice Rink and Pool concept was selected by an expert panel after the launch of an international architectural competition. Delivery of the venue is expected the second half of 2019.
According to a statement from the bid committee, the proposed centre includes an ice-rink with a capacity of 10,000 spectators, which will be designed as a multifunctional hall, a practice rink for 300 spectators, an outdoor skating rink in winter, a 50 meter Olympic swimming pool, a diving pit, a multi-function pool with movable floor and a paddling pool.
“The Malley Ice Intercommunal Centre will be a temple of sport, entertainment and culture for Lausanne, its suburbs and the surrounding area.”
“The region has been waiting for many years for such a facility and the Centre will serve as a catalyst for its development and that of West Lausanne.”
The cost of the project is estimated at 200 million Swiss francs to be financed mostly by the Canton of Vaud, the City of Lausanne and the 26 municipalities of the region. Construction is set to begin in spring 2017.
The venue will also be available to host the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships alongside Zurich in May 2020.
In June, the Lausanne 2020 bid committee announced the planned construction of the “Vortex” – a 630 room student residential building in the shape of a single ring located near University of Lausanne and the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. Meeting all International Olympic Committee (IOC) requirements, this complex has been positioned as the Olympic Village for the Games
Lausanne is bidding against Brasov, Romania to host the third edition of the Games to be competed in 2020. The IOC will elect the winner July 31 at a session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
