This week, construction of the International Broadcast Centre and Main Press Centre (IBC and MPC respectively) has started in Barra da Tijuca Olympic Park. Works to install the foundation of both press centres is already going full steam ahead. Wednesday, 2 October, marks four years since Rio de Janeiro was chosen to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Dedicated to television and radio station with Games broadcasting rights, the IBC will have 85 thousand square metres of constructed area and a capacity for 10 thousand people. The MPC, with 27 thousand square metres, will gather all accredited media. During the Games, both will operate 24 hours a day.

Unlike Olympic Games held in other cities, the IBC and MPC works will be fully financed by private resources, through a public-private partnership (PPP) that allows for the Olympic Park’s infrastructure construction as well as maintenance for 15 years.

In the case of the IBC, the solution found is of great relevance due to the property’s huge dimensions and difficult later adaptation for use. For the IBC construction, 50 workers and four special machines were mobilised. 55 workers are involved in the MPC construction.

The Rio Mais Concession Holder is responsible for part of the Olympic Park construction, which is coordinated by the Municipal Olympic Company (EOM in Portuguese), Riourbe (Municipal Urbanisation Company) and the Subsecretariat for PPPs of the Municipal Chief-of-Staff Office.