The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) today started the search for companies to construct world-class sailing facilities, ensuring Weymouth and Portland remains on course to become one of the first venues ready for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

The Olympic and Paralympic sailing events in 2012 will be hosted by the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) and Osprey Quay. The ODA has today invited construction companies to bid to build a new permanent 150m slipway; a new race-boat parking area; new race-boat lifting facilities; and new race-boat moorings to be sheltered by a wave protection structure. All of the work will deliver new and improved sailing facilities for use during the Games and in legacy.

Weymouth and Portland will be one of the first venues ready for the 2012 Games with construction due to be completed by the end of 2008.

The start of the search for construction companies coincides with a visit to Weymouth and Portland by Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell who will be touring the WPNSA today and learning more about the South West’s plans to make the most of London 2012.

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said:

“Weymouth and Portland bid hard to host sailing for the Olympics and won.

“This is a clear statement of ambition rewarded and how the benefits of the Games will extend not just to Weymouth and Portland but across the South West.

“Visitors will see world class sailing and world class facilities and I congratulate the Academy on the way in which they have promoted the involvement of the community and young people.

“Sailing will be at the heart of the south west in the Olympics but there are also great opportunities for tourism and culture.”

Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive, David Higgins, said:

“The start of the search for construction companies is another step towards ensuring Weymouth and Portland is one of the first venues ready for 2012. This is an opportunity for a construction company to build world-class sailing facilities that will benefit elite athletes and the local community alike before, during and long after the Games.

“Our plans for Weymouth and Portland are an excellent example of how the Games can act as a driver for wider regeneration, spreading sporting, social and economic benefits around the country.”

Planning applications for the new facilities and the regeneration of Osprey Quay and the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) were submitted by the ODA in March.

Dean & Reddyhoff, developers for the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), have also submitted planning applications for a new 560-berth commercial marina at Osprey Quay, of which 250 berths will be used during the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The marina will include retail and industrial development bringing enormous social and economic regeneration to the local area.

A contract notice has today been posted on the ODA’s e-tendering website inviting companies to bid for the Weymouth & Portland construction contract. The contract is expected to be awarded around the end of 2007 with work due to start on site early next year.