Killer chemical halts work on National Indoor Sports Arena and Velodrome

Feb 24 2009

Indoor Sports Arena and National Velodrome

WORK on one of Glasgow's key 2014 Commonwealth Games sites has stalled after a deadly chemical was found.

Builders have downed tools after asbestos was found buried at the site of the National Indoor Sports Arena and National Velodrome next to Celtic Park.

Asbestos was commonly used in insulation and fire-resistant materials in the 1960s but is now banned in many countries due to its cancer-causing fibres.

On Monday a team of chemical specialists were alone at the Parkhead site as they worked to clear the area to allow preparatory work to resume.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "During this preconstruction phase to prepare the land on the site of the National Indoor Sports Arena, minute traces of asbestos were found buried in the ground in two locations.

"Work on the site has stopped as a precautionary measure.

"An investigation is currently taking place to establish what further remediation work will be necessary to allow work to restart."

The council hope work will resume in the next fortnight.

The indoor arena and Velodrome is one of the major developments taking place in the east end of the city ahead of the 2014 Games. It's expected to leave a long-lasting legacy for the city.

The indoor arena will be within walking distance of the athletes' village. The 5000-seat stadium and 4000-seat velodrome will be the venues for the badminton and cycling events.