Construction will begin 2008-2009, and will be completed in October 2010, however the course will then need to be tested and will be available to the public early 2011. It will be in Waltham cross now and not Broxbourne.
Lea valley parks spokes person stated that they are committed to the park for 25 to 30 years, so hopefully we do not have to worry about an early closure. The BCU base will also be moving from HPP to the new course.
In terms of playboating, the course has two main drops that will be implemented with playboaters in mind.
There are two independent courses, running on two separate pumps. The main course is 300 meters, has a capacity of 15 cumecs with a 5.5 meter head. While the smaller ‘training’ course is 160 meters, with a capacity of 10 cumecs with a 1.6 meter head. Both courses have conveyer belts to carry you to the top. These courses will be pumped seperately.
The flow rate can be adjusted to suit demand to meet the running costs of the course, however it is expected that due to the popularity of the course it will run frequently on the full 15 cumecs.
The water in the course will be taken from the river Lea, but will be treated.
There is enough capacity to sit 12000 spectators. The course will also include a canteen / cafe that will be raised to over look the whole course, so you can watch the paddling while enjoying a coffee or a bite to eat.

We will continue to keep you informed via the Olympic forum specially set up on tvfreestylers.

Thanks

Claire & John Newman