Barr Construction of Scotland has won the race to build the main structure of the London Olympics’ Basketball Arena.

Detailed designs and information on materials to be used for the 12,000-seater temporary structure are likely to follow in the autumn.

Initial designs depict a steel-based structure and with Barr’s experience in delivering steel-built sports stadia in the UK, the likelihood of wood being used extensively, apart from the actual court, currently appear slim. However, Barr also designed and built Tesco‘s first timber-frame eco-store in Wick, Scotland.

The arena will be the third biggest venue on the Olympic Park and the largest temporary structure ever built for any Games.

An ODA spokesperson said a temporary structure would cost half the amount of a permanent structure, while effective use of lighting on the exterior would also be more cost-effective than using expensive cladding.

Construction is due to start in early 2010.