London 2012 organisers have named a new canoeing and kayak slalom venue after the original site was abandoned because of high levels of contamination.

The Olympic Delivery Authority said the new location in Broxbourne had been approved by the International Canoe Federation, the International Olympic Committee, and the British Olympic Association.

A public consultation will be held later this month and a planning application submitted in the coming weeks.

The ODA said the centre, which is six miles closer to the main Olympic Park in east London than the original choice, would serve as a recreational and competition facility after the Games and would be managed by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

No major delays are expected as the design concepts for the original venue will largely be transferred to the new site.

"The site is closer to the Olympic Park, allowing athletes to reach the venue within 30 minutes during the Games," London organising committee chairman Sebastian Coe said.

"We look forward to seeing this exciting venue taking shape."

Construction of the major venues begins later this year with work on the 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium in Stratford beginning ahead of schedule next month.

Reuters