2012 chiefs splashing out £40m on pool consultants

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The cost of employing outside engineers, architects and surveyors has mounted following changes to the venue's complex design.

Olympic chiefs are demanding venues for the 2012 Games are "green". This has proved a challenge for the aquatics centre because such pools are noted for high heating bills.

Rising professional fees are thought to be one of the main factors contributing to the centre's budget, which has tripled to £214million, as revealed by the Evening Standard last week.

Olympic chiefs are expected to confirm the budget later this month after contracts are signed with Balfour Beatty. They will seek to justify the cost due to the aquatics centre's architectural appeal.

Consultants working on the project include architect Zaha Hadid, pool designers S&P and engineers Arup.

It is thought that there have already been three designs for the dramatic, vaulted roof, including a proposal to build it with a wooden framework instead of steel. The aquatics project was initially due to be completed next year, but the deadline was extended two years as the Olympic Park in Stratford was reconfigured after the bid. Fifteen months ago Ms Hadid submitted a scaled-down design for the venue after Olympics minister Tessa Jowell rejected her plans on cost grounds.

A source close to the project said: "The key people fell in love with the design from an early stage. They talk of iconic designs, but the practicalities of making it work are proving very expensive. You could buy an Olympicsized pool with what they are planning to spend in professional fees."

There are concerns that the venue cost could yet exceed £214million. Firms bidding for the contract priced it at £254million, and sources close to negotiations suggest the final price could be £280million.

Experts in swimming pool design say £40million would cover the cost of a more modest Olympic-sized centre.

An ODA spokesman said: "The aquatics centre budget will be confirmed shortly when contract negotiations are completed. This budget will cover the contract price and fees and will be consistent with the overall budget for venues, confirmed by the Government in December. We are confident that the aquatics centre will be a stunning, iconic venue."