London Legacy Development Corporation

London Legacy Development Corporation announces opening plans for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

The London Legacy Development Corporation today unveiled its plans for the opening of the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The 18 months from October 2012 will see the Park transform from an Olympic site into a brand new piece of the city, right in the heart of London’s East End. By spring 2014, the 560 acre Olympic Park will become an exciting new visitor destination and community park, unlike any other in the UK.

Andrew Altman, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said:

“London’s Olympic Legacy was rooted in the creation of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – a place that will become one of the most thriving parts of London. The creation of thousands of new homes and jobs will bring huge benefits to the area.

“The transformation will take the Park from an Olympic site, to a new piece of London that’s owned and shaped by the community in and around it. Above all, the Park will create a place of practical benefit for the surrounding community – a place to take your children swimming at weekends, go to school, walk your dog or go to a festival in the summer.”

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:

“Within a year of the close of the 2012 Games, the Park will be ready to welcome not only another major sporting event, but also the thousands of residents and workers who will reap the benefits of this brand new district of the capital.

“The fantastic new sporting venues are only one part of the unfolding legacy story. The Park will help drive the growth London needs to steer it out of recession and on to long term prosperity.”

The first area will re-open from 27 July 2013 – exactly one year after the Olympics Opening Ceremony.

First to open will be the North Park in July 2013, which in addition to the community hub includes acres of vibrant green parklands and footpaths, perfect for picnics, walks and play. Also here, the Multi-Use Arena, a 7,500 capacity indoor entertainment venue will host a range of community events, along with a yearly programme of high profile sports and concerts. The Legacy Corporation will celebrate the opening of the North Park with an event for local residents and visitors.

Second to open will be the South Plaza in Easter 2014, which will include some of the Park’s iconic venues including the ArcelorMittal Orbit and the Aquatics Centre, which will be adapted for everyday use including aqua-fitness classes, family swims and lane swimming and will have fully equipped changing rooms, the pool will be available for use at standard local London prices – currently £4.35 per swim! From Easter 2014 residents and visitors will be able to access the whole Park, with new entrances opening via Westfield shopping centre and Stratford High Street in Newham.

Read the full press release

You can also download an infographic with additional information