Badminton and gym venue dropped from Olympic plans

Olympic organisers are to abandon plans for a temporary badminton venue at the London 2012 Games but will press ahead with two other controversial developments, following a cost-cutting review by the consultancy firm KPMG.

Paul Deighton, chief executive of the London 2012 Organising Committee, told the London Assembly a temporary 6,000-seat venue, which would have hosted badminton and rhythmic gymnastics, could be "shifted".

Wembley Arena is currently the leading contender to win the relocated events, The Independent understands. But the KPMG report concludes that the temporary venue for basketball should remain in the Olympic park, and equestrian events should continue to go ahead at Greenwich Park.

Organisers have come under severe pressure to identify economies, as the growing recession threatens the Government's pledge not to exceed its £9.3bn budget. The KPMG report suggests savings could be made relocating a number of events scheduled to be held in the temporary arena, but that changing venues could reduce the number of potential spectators.