The Legacy Corporation has taken this action to allow more time to address a number of issues which have arisen since the ITT was issued in January.

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

“We are determined to run a process that is fair to all and delivers the best possible legacy for the Olympic Stadium. We have been very encouraged by the quality of the bids so far. However, a number of issues have arisen during the process and we believe it is sensible to give everyone more time so they can be addressed.

“We want to make the process as competitive as possible and extending the competition period will allow all parties that registered an initial interest in the Stadium another chance to bid.

“The fundamentals have not changed and it remains our intention to sign construction contracts for converting the Stadium at the end of October, with the intention of re-opening in 2014 as previously announced. This is a significant public asset and a 99 year lease, and it is right that we take the time now to get the best possible outcome for the Stadium.”

The Legacy Corporation has made a number of clarifications to the ITT in response to issues that have arisen since the ITT was first issued in January, some of which we understand may have deterred interested parties from bidding. These include governing body approvals, technical improvements to the Stadium and the opportunity to bid for the right to exploit the Stadium naming rights.

Notes for editors:

The London Legacy Development Corporation promotes and delivers physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding area, in particular by maximising the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It will secure high-quality sustainable development and investment and ensure the long-term success of the facilities and assets within its direct control and supporting and promoting the aim of convergence.

It took over responsibility for the Park from the Olympic Park Legacy Company on 1 April 2012, and has additional powers including planning powers from October 2012 from the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. For more information visit: www.londonlegacy.co.uk/about-us

For further information contact the Press Office at the London Legacy Development Corporation on +44 (0) 20 3288 1777, +44 (0) 7817 386 499 or email: pressoffice@londonlegacy.co.uk

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.

The new Park – which will begin to open its gates from July 2013 – will combine lush parklands and waterways, new neighbourhoods and world class sports and entertainment venues. It will draw on the unique character, energy and heritage of London’s East End and the best elements of London living, to create a brand new space for residents and visitors. The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has already announced plans for the first large scale event to take place in the park next summer – a two day, world class festival of cycling which could attract thousands of visitors and generate millions of pounds in economic benefit.

As well as its collection of iconic venues, the Park will be defined by two distinct areas: the river valley in the north, and a 50 acre urban landscape in the south. The North Park will include a nature-themed community hub and playground, where children will be able to build dens and create their own everyday adventures in nature. The South Plaza will sit between the Stadium, Aquatics Centre and the ArcelorMittal Orbit. Here visitors can take a stroll down a tree-lined promenade, which will connect flexible spaces perfect for events and attractions like cultural programmes, pop up street food stalls and community events.

The creation of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will be one of the biggest construction projects in Europe. The18 month transformation programme marks its first phase, laying the foundations for further development across East London over the next 20 years. The transformation has three main objectives: To clear Games-time structures including temporary venues, bridges, walkways and roads; to connect the Park to the surrounding area with new roads, cycle and foot paths; and to complete permanent venues, bridges and parklands ready for residents’ and visitors’ everyday use.

To enable people to get onto the Park as quickly as possible, the Legacy Corporation has carefully planned its works to re-open the Park in phases, as each piece of work reaches completion. 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.

Visitors will be able to access the Park through entrances in Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest, in addition to pedestrian access through Eton Manor. The remainder of the North Park will open at the end of 2013, and will include the Lee Valley VeloPark and more access points for 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 which 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.

The Legacy Corporation is bringing together a highly skilled and experienced team whose energy and expertise in design, construction and architecture will deliver the best quality Park while ensuring that plans are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible. The team is working in close partnership with local people, businesses and the host boroughs to create a Park that the local community feels it owns and can enjoy using, every day.

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.”

Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority which will own and manage Lee Valley VeloPark, Lee Valley Hockey Centre and Lee Valley Tennis Centre said:

“Building legacy into the London 2012 Games from the outset means we will be running three world class venues on Olympic Park from December 2013. Lee Valley VeloPark, which will have the iconic Velodrome at its heart, Lee Valley Tennis Centre and Lee Valley Hockey Centre – which will host the 2015 European Hockey Championships – will see huge amounts of community use at world class facilities while giving the public the chance to see top level sport.”

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Notes for editors:

To download images and an infographic of how the park will look, please click this link

The London Legacy Development Corporation promotes and delivers physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding area, in particular by maximising the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It will secure high-quality sustainable development and investment and ensure the long-term success of the facilities and assets within its direct control and supporting and promoting the aim of convergence.

It took over responsibility for the Park from the Olympic Park Legacy Company on 1 April 2012, and has additional powers including planning powers from October 2012 from the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. For more information visit: www.londonlegacy.co.uk/about-us

Below is a more detailed breakdown of how the Legacy Corporation will Clear, Connect, and Complete the Park:

Clear

• Removal of Athletes Training Centre at Eton Manor (temporary venue)
• Removal of Basketball Arena (temporary venue)
• Removal of Water Polo (temporary venue)
• Removal of warm-up track (temporary venue)
• Removal of Games-time security areas and spectator stands

Connect

• Around 9.5 km of the Games-time road network
• Connect surrounding communities to the heart of the Park with new footways and cycle paths
• Reconfiguration of 30 Games-time bridges and underpasses to improve public access

Complete

• Doubling of the amount of parkland to 102 hectares including the planting of a further 2,000 trees, ten hectares of meadow, new lawns and two large allotment sites
• Conversion of the Press Centre and Broadcast Centre site by removing the catering village and gantry to prepare for incoming tenant, and adding of photovoltaic panels and cladding to the car park
• Create the Lee Valley VeloPark, including the addition of a 1.6 km outdoor cycle circuit, a 6.5 km mountain bike trail, the regrading of the BMX circuit and internal work to the Velodrome
• Create the Lee Valley Tennis Centre and Lee Valley Hockey Centre on the Eton Manor site for Hockey and Tennis
• Internal fit-out of the Multi-Use Arena for public use
• Reinstate 12 football pitches at East Marsh
• Create a nature themed community hub in the North Park
• Create a visitor centre and landscaped events space to be known as the South Plaza

For further information contact the Press Office at the London Legacy Development Corporation on +44 (0) 20 3288 1777, +44 (0) 7817 386 499 or email: pressoffice@londonlegacy.co.uk

Sugarhouse Studios will showcase the best of independent cinema from East End films to classic Americana movies along with offering a casual Sunday cinema and supper club with resident chef Laura Marten.

The site in High Street, Stratford, is a former sign-writers workshop which is scheduled for demolition 2013 as part of a new residential and business development. Rather than leave the site dormant, the Legacy Corporation has been working with Assemble, a community interest company (CIC) made up of designers and architects, to make use of the space.

The front half of the building has 50 handmade seats by a team of 100 volunteers with a cafe and bar space. The other half contains Assemble’s studio and a large open-plan workshop for small scale design to furniture making and an event space for up to 200 people.

The Legacy Corporation is supporting the project as part of its work to make connections with local communities by spreading the benefits of regeneration from the Olympic Park.

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

“We want to spread the benefits of regeneration from the Olympic Park to the surrounding area through creative, community-based projects like the new cinema at Sugarhouse Studios.

“Legacy plans are further ahead than any previous Olympic host city and this if great example of how forgotten parts of East London are being used as opportunities to bring people together.”

Sugarhouse Studios will kick off with a weekend programme with highlights including a screening of the classic McCabe & Miller, a Russian banquet feast and a screening of the cult 70’s British road movie, Radio On with an insight from the director Chris Petit.

A link to the full listings are in the notes to editors below.

Sugarhouse Studios is situated adjacent to Three Mills Island which is a short walk from Pudding Mill Lane and south of the Olympic Park. Assemble will work with community organisations to engage in shaping their local area including public spaces, yards and pedestrian access.

The building is part of Sugar House Lane site which was sold to LandProp by the Olympic Park Legacy Company, now London Legacy Development Corporation, last year, and is scheduled for redevelopment.

-Ends-

Notes for editors:

Access some additional images here

Sugarhouse Studios Address: 107 High Street, Stratford, E15 2QQ. For full listings visit http://sugarhousestudios.co.uk/category/events/

The London Legacy Development Corporation promotes and delivers physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding area, in particular by maximising the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It will secure high-quality sustainable development and investment and ensure the long-term success of the facilities and assets within its direct control and supporting and promoting the aim of convergence.

It takes over responsibility for the Park from the Olympic Park Legacy Company, and additional powers including planning powers from October 2012 from the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. For more information visit: http://www.londonlegacy.co.uk/about-us/

About Assemble

Assemble are a community interest company made up of artists, architects and designers committed to improving the public realm and creating fantastic spaces for community andcultural activity.

Contesting the traditional divide between client, architect, constructor and user, Assemble involve the public in a hands on, practical way as participant and collaborator in the ongoing realisation of their work.

Assemble will be running the venue and also working with the support of the Legacy Corporation on a range of grass roots community engagement and design projects, aimed at getting local residents more proactively and creatively involved in the future of their public spaces, including parks, pavements, yards and pedestrian provisioning.

Sugarhouse Studios

The Olympic Park Legacy Company granted Assemble £49 000 to deliver Sugarhouse Studios and workspace on land owned by the Legacy Company. The funding and rent agreement will now continue to be overseen by the London Legacy Development Corporation until the land is handed over to Landprop in Jan 2013 date.

The project has been coordinated with work the Olympic Fringe strategy in order to animate the areas and establish community facilities that can grow as the areas around them develop. Together, Assemble and the London Legacy Development Corporation are working to establish the facility in the hope that it can grow and form a permanent part of the area’s future.

For further information contact the Press Office at the London Legacy Development Corporation on +44 (0) 20 3288 1777, +44 (0) 7817 386 499 or email: pressoffice@londonlegacy.co.uk

The London Legacy Development Corporation has appointed a specialist panel to assist with the design of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The expert panel will offer a range of services to support and enhance the design quality of the Park and surrounding area, including new neighbourhoods, venues, parklands and public spaces.

The companies will sit on the Design Services Framework Panel for four years as a specialist resource for three areas: Architecture and Urban Design, Landscape Design and Graphics and Visualisation.

The Legacy Corporation will issue mini competitions to the panel for projects including the design for a new canalside park along Lee Navigation, design guidance for the five new neighbourhoods and support for development projects on the Park and surrounding areas.

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

“The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will be defined by high quality design running through the neighbourhoods, venues, parklands and public spaces.

“Legacy plans are further ahead than any previous Olympic host city and this is a great opportunity for architects and designers to help shape the future of the Park after the Games.”

The panel which consists of a mix of small and local practices as well as the larger more established firms are:

Architecture and Urban Design

• Adams & Sutherland
• Allies & Morrison
• dRMM Architects
• Karakusevic Carson Architects
• Maccreanor Lavington
• Meadowcroft Griffin Architects
• NORD Architecture
• Witherford Watson Mann Architects

Landscape Architecture

• Churchman Landscape Architects
• East
• Gustafson Porter
• Hassell
• J & L Gibbons
• Kinnear Landscape Architects Limited
• muf architecture/art LLP
• Strootman Landschapsarchitecten

Graphic Design & Visualisations

• Appetite
• Arup
• Dog Star Limited
• Greenspace
• Hyperkit Limited
• Premm Design Limited
• Squint / Opera
• Uniform

The Development Corporation invited companies to apply in November last year outlining opportunities for all scales of design professionals, from multi-disciplinary firms to smaller practices.

-ENDS-

Notes for editors:

Background on Panel Appointments

LOT 1: Architecture and Urban Design

Adams & Sutherland:

Adams & Sutherland, is an innovative 8-person firm with a reputation for engaging creatively with users in delivering high quality architecture and landscape projects. Among their recently completed work is the London 2012 Olympic Greenway, Chandos East Community Centre and Bow Riverside.

Allies & Morrison

Allies & Morrison is London-based practice which has had a continuous involvement in the masterplanning of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, starting with the original 2012 Games bid. Their wealth of experience in the transformation of urban districts includes masterplans for Kings Cross Central and Brent Cross, Cricklewood.

dRMM Architects

dRMM Architects, established in 1995, is a practice with a track record of innovative, socially useful projects in the cultural, educational, and housing sectors. Their approach to architecture and design is characterised by sustainable construction methods and research into the potential of modern materials.

Karakusevic Carson Architects

Karakusevic Carson Architects is an award-winning practice focused on designing and delivering high quality housing in London. Their projects, such as Claredale Street in Tower Hamlets, successfully engage the wider urban context of local streets and mews.

Maccreanor Lavington

Maccreanor Lavington is a Stirling Prize winning firm of 50 with offices in London and Rotterdam. The practice is active in architecture and urbanism with a particular focus on housing and urban regeneration. They have recently completed a residentia led masterplan for Barking Riverside.

Meadowcroft Griffin Architects

Meadowcroft Griffin is an architecture, landscape and urban design practice with projects across a range of scales including masterplanning, social infrastructure and housing. They have a track record of successfully developing designs through community participation and user collaboration, as demonstrated in the award-winning Lauriston School.

NORD Architecture

NORD Architecture, winner of the Young British Architect of the Year award in 2006, may be best known for its award-winning substation on the Olympic Park. NORD is a 10-person design and research focused practice with a diverse portfolio of projects including buildings, exhibition design, installations, as well as community development.

Witherford Watson Mann Architects

Witherford Watson Mann are an East London based firm engaged focusing on the design of public buildings, housing and public spaces, promoting social engagement in the public realm. The firm’s strength lies in revealing the specific qualities of place such as the Bankside Urban Forest or Amnesty International UK’s Shoreditch headquarters.

LOT 2: Landscape Architecture

Churchman Landscape Architects

Churchman Landscape Architects is reputed for its context-specific landscapes at a range of scales from the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich to the University of Warwick. The firm’s design work is supported by a research programme currently focused on testing green technologies such as living walls and sustainable urban drainage.

East

East is a design practice whose work is characterised by a focus on projects of public relevance, working between disciplines to deliver urban interventions that enrich the city fabric. They won the BD Masterplanning Architect of the Year in 2011, and have developed the spatial principles for East London’s Green Enterprise District.

Gustafson Porter

Gustafson Porter is an international practice known for its innovative and contemporary landscape design for high profile projects such as Westergasfabriek Park in Amsterdam, Old Market Square in Nottingham, and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.

HASSELL

HASSELL is an integrated, international design firm with offices in Australia, Asia, and the United Kingdom. HASSELL developed the award-winning design for the Sydney Olympic Parklands and has continued its involvement in the park’s legacy mode, delivering over 50 projects of various scales from playgrounds to river and habitat restorations.

J & L Gibbons

J & L Gibbons is a small but established practice engaged in a diverse range of work from urban regeneration frameworks and public park design to the restoration of registered landscapes in conservation areas. Recent projects include the Angel Building and Making Space in Dalston.

Kinnear Landscape Architects Limited

Kinnear Landscape Architects are widely recognised for their conceptual and collaborative approach to landscape design and delivery. Chobham Academy in the Athletes Village has recently been completed; the practice is currently working on the revitalisation of three Leyton parks which link into the wider landscape framework of the Lea Valley.

muf architecture/art LLP

muf architecture/art LLP was founded in 1996 and has built a reputation for designing innovative public realm projects based on exemplary models of participatory design, particularly in East London. They were the first UK winners of the European Prize for Public Space (2008) and were named Public Realm Architect of the Year in 2011.

Strootman LANDSCHAPSARCHITECTEN

Strootman Landschapsarchitecten is a 12-person Amsterdam-based firm of landscape architects that integrate urbanism, cultural history, ecology, art and architecture within a landscape architectural framework. This work takes the office from regional plans to garden design, from rural areas to the city, and from research to realisation.

LOT 3: Graphic Design & Visualisations

Appetite

Appetite is a brand creator and developer with offices in the UK and North America. Working in the public and private sectors Appetite is recognized for its unique ability to provide clarity and inspiration to brands that stimulates understanding, change and success.

Arup

Arup’s Visualisation team create high quality communication materials including images, animations and 3D modeling to support projects at architectural and urban scales. They develop an integrated approach working alongside all design principles, combining creativity with technical innovation to deliver effective solutions tailored to clients needs.

Dog Star Limited

Dogstar is an independent brand and design communications agency based in Clerkenwell, London. They are experienced in diverse sectors from health care products, to financial institutions and the property sector.

Greenspace Limited

Greenspace is a brand consultancy based in Bethnal Green, London, specialising in brand strategy, visual identity design, experiential communication and advertising, implemented through a mix of graphic, environmental, live and digital media.

Hyperkit Limited

Founded in 2001, Hyperkit is a creative design studio that produces graphic design for print and screen, as well as designing exhibitions, signage, furniture and interiors. Clients include Grainger plc, The Lounge Soho, Phaidon Press, Royal College of Art and Tate Britain.

Premm Design Limited

A multi-disciplinary agency formed in 1991, Premm Design has worked with a broad range of organisations on literature marketing, branding and high quality design solutions for diverse sectors. Clients have included Visit Britain, BBC Children in Need, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, City of London Festival, and BBC Proms.

Squint / Opera

Established in London in 2002, Squint Opera offers creative content, communications design and architectural visualization to cover all stages or urban and project development – from massing studies to high impact marketing for all platforms. They work with the world’s top developers, architects and government agencies globally.

Uniform

Uniform is a brand communications agency. We help our clients build great brands and deliver real, measurable results. We are dedicated to creative excellence. We take the random and the relevant, and unite them in a single compelling, powerful message and do this for some of the world’s biggest companies, such as Unilever, Carlsberg and Westfield.

Details of the OJEU notice and how to apply was published on the Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) website last year. The TED website is a supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).

• Organisations had until 28 November 2011 to submit their applications and were able to apply for a combination of the ‘Lots’ below. The press release issued can be seen here. The London Legacy Development Corporation promotes and delivers physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding area, in particular by maximising the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• It will secure high-quality sustainable development and investment and ensure the long-term success of the facilities and assets within its direct control and supporting and promoting the aim of convergence.
• It takes over responsibility for the Park from the Olympic Park Legacy Company, and additional powers including planning powers from October 2012 from the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. For more information visit: www.londonlegacy.co.uk/about-us

For further information contact the Media Team at the London Legacy Development Corporation on +44 (0) 20 3288 1777, +44 (0) 7817 386 499 or email: mailto:pressoffice@londonlegacy

These are some of the commitments made in a new sustainability guide published today by the London Legacy Development Corporation.

After the Games the Development Corporation will create a 225 hectare park with 102 hectares of open space, up to 8,000 homes, five permanent sporting venues, event spaces, 45 hectares of bio diverse habitat and a network of pathways, cycle routes and waterways for all to enjoy.

‘Your Sustainability Guide to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 2030’ is our vision for life in and around the Park in 2030. It sets out our objectives for transforming the area into a place where people can live, work and visit sustainably.

The guide demonstrates how through targeted investment and intelligent design we will encourage people in and around the Park to choose healthier, more active lifestyles.

The Development Corporation’s wider sustainability aims include attracting permanent jobs, building family homes, and improving opportunities for the people in the host boroughs.

Everything from the appliances installed in new homes, the transport links into the Park and the public bins and recycling points will be designed to make sustainable options the easy choice.

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

“Our legacy plans are further advanced than any previous host city this includes working to make sure the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will become a benchmark for sustainable living.

This guide sets out an ambitious plan to not just deliver sustainable parklands, homes and jobs but also to create an environment that drives behavioural change.

This ambition will shape every development on the Park from the low energy homes, to the ticketless events, to the beautiful bio-diverse habitat we plan to create.”

Shaun McCarthy, Chair of the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 said:

“This strategy represents a step change for sustainability on the Park setting challenging targets in many areas.

Yet there is more still to do if we are all to enjoy a sustainable future. We must look to the London Legacy Development Corporation and organisations like it to light the way, innovating for even higher sustainability gains from 2012 onwards.”

The guide clearly sets out our priorities in seven key areas for the sustainable development of the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Full details are available online but highlights include:

Water management and conservation

• Reduce drinking water use by Park residents to 105 litres per person per day, compared to a London average of 144 litres
• Maintain and improve upon a 40 per cent reduction in drinking water use in the venues when compared to similar venues
• All new developments to use rainwater harvesting and grey water (domestic waste water) and park irrigation to be from rainwater harvesting and treated black water (sewage)

Energy conservation and carbon reduction

• Zero carbon homes
• 15 per cent reduction in emissions from actual energy use by Park occupants over five years by promoting energy efficient home appliances
• 25 per cent reduction in operational emissions over five years in venues and parklands

Materials selection

• 100 per cent of timber products from sustainable sources
• 25 per cent minimum recycled content of major materials
• Energy efficient lighting throughout the Park

Waste management

• Zero municipal waste direct to landfill by 2025
• Zero events waste to landfill by 2020
• By 2020 60 per cent of household waste should be recycled or composted compared to a London average today of 32 per cent

Transport & connectivity

• Ensure 95 per cent of visitors to events and attractions arrive by public transport, cycle or foot
• 20 per cent of car parking spaces to have access to electric charging
• No home more than 350m from a bus stop

Biodiversity & open space

• 102 hectares of open space within the Park and its immediate vicinity
• 45 hectares of bio diverse habitat linked to existing areas
• Avoid chemical control of weeds, pests and diseases

• Facilitate sustainable lifestyles

• 100 per cent of homes will have smart meters to help people monitor their energy use
• Superfast broadband and Wi-Fi in and around the Park
• Promote recycling across the Park

This guide demonstrates to London and the wider world ways of living environmentally sustainable, low carbon, resource efficient, healthy lives. The development of the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will set a standard for other regeneration projects.

The Development Corporation will monitor and evaluate its progress against the priorities set out in the strategy and publish annual sustainability reports.

You can download the Sustainability Guide here.

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Notes to editors

Environmental Sustainability is one of the suite of six policies we have developed as part of the overarching business planning process. The six policies are: socio economic; sport and healthy living; community engagement; design quality, and equality and inclusion and environmental sustainability.

The Government has committed to a target that all new homes must meet a zero carbon standard by 2016.

The London Legacy Development Corporation promotes and delivers physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding area, in particular by maximising the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It will secure high-quality sustainable development and investment and ensure the long-term success of the facilities and assets within its direct control and supporting and promoting the aim of convergence – that is ensuring within 20 years that the communities which host the Games have the same social and economic chances as their neighbours across London.

It takes over responsibility for the Park from the Olympic Park Legacy Company, and additional powers including planning powers from October 2012 from the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. For more information visit: www.londonlegacy.co.uk/about-us

The Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 provides assurance to the Olympic Board and the public on how the bodies delivering the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and legacy are meeting their sustainability commitment. For more information about the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 see www.cslondon.org/

For further information contact the Media Team at the London Legacy Development Corporation on +44 (0) 20 3288 1777, +44 (0) 7817 386 499 or email: pressoffice@londonlegacy.co.uk

They took part in the first of the 2012 series of One Movement festivals run by East London Business Alliance and funded by the National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor, which aims to increase sports participation in the Six Host Olympic Boroughs.

The young people aged between 11 and 19-years-old from the Six Host Boroughs, got the chance to try up to 13 different sports and activities in the Copper Box, where Olympians will be competing for medals in three months’ time.

The multi-sport event, which was opened by former 110m hurdler Tony Jarrett, was a glimpse into the future life of the venue, to be known as the Multi-Use Arena after the Games, when it reopens in 2013 as a multi-use, community venue.

The London Legacy Development Corporation will operate the venue as an affordable and accessible facility offering a full range of sports. Around 90% of its use will be dedicated to local communities with the cost of hiring a court the same as the average price of a local leisure centre.

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

“Encouraging sport and healthy lifestyles in East London will be one of the most important legacies from the Olympic Park. Events like One Movement are a taste of things to come, as we work with local communities to make the best use of the Park’s world class facilities.

“Legacy plans are further ahead than any previous Olympic host city. This venue will be home to more than a dozen indoor sports after the Games and we are programming it now to ensure that sports clubs, schools and community events are the lifeblood of the venue.”

Eileen Taylor, Chair of the London Legacy 2020 Programme, said:

“ELBA’s Legacy 2020 members have been working in partnership over the last six years towards creating a lasting social legacy for the communities in the Olympic Host Boroughs delivering projects in the field of skills, culture and sport. We are thrilled to launch our summer programme of One Movement sports festivals this year in the Olympic Park, alongside the ELBA mentoring and business support for 50 local sports clubs. During 2012, One Movement will encourage over 11,000 young people to try out a whole array of sports and fun activities with a view to creating longer-term participation.”

Olympian Tony Jarrett said:

“Sport can change lives, and it is fantastic to see so many young people being given the opportunity to get involved before the Games have even started.

“The Copper Box is an inspiring venue and the fact that it will be used for community sport after the Games will be a special legacy for young people in London.”

The sports and activities for young people were set out in 11 different zones in the 7,500 seat Copper Box. They were handball, dance, judo, table tennis, athletics, cycling, rowing, pentathlon, new age kurling, resistance sliding and tennis.

They were put on by a host of sporting governing bodies and local sports groups including England Handball, East London Dance, British Judo and The Lawn Tennis Association.

The young people were signposted to local clubs so that they could continue to play the sports they enjoyed in their borough.

One Movement sport festivals are part of the In the Parks programme funded by The National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor, and managed by ELBA with the support of the Development Corporation and London Legacy 2020.

The Development Corporation announced in January that the Multi-Use Arena and the Aquatics Centre would be operated by GLL and generate 254 full time jobs, 410 apprenticeships over the next 10 years with 85% of jobs going to people in the Host Boroughs.

As part of the contract, GLL will be doing outreach work in the surrounding boroughs in increase sports participation.

Local school children from host boroughs quotes and images:

NEWHAM

Akbar Irampaye, 14, from Langdon Secondary School, said:

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to take part in sports at the Copper Box before the Games even begin. I can’t wait for the Games to begin so having this chance today is fantastic.”

Image: Akbar Irampaye: http://db.tt/5kdbGOQx or http://db.tt/zEZ8TksT

Hayley Waddon, 15, from Langdon Secondary School, said:

“It’s great to experience what the athletes are going to experience during the Games. I didn’t know what to expect but today has given me an idea of what we can expect after the Games. Really exciting.”

Image: Hayley Waddon http://db.tt/D2o2GcN5  Image: Group shot  http://db.tt/yDYheSem

HACKNEY

Tori McLelland, 10, from Holy Trinity Primary School, said:

“It’s really amazing being here today and I like the fact there are so many different sports to try out. The Copper Box is a surprising venue and I loved it inside – really good fun and a great chance to try out an Olympic venue before the Games and feel what it must be like to be part of the Olympics.”

Image: Tori McLelland http://db.tt/7bWjI7MJ and http://db.tt/R2qOWLAA

Jordan Campbell, 9, from Holy Trinity Primary School, said:

“My favourite part has been walking through the Park and seeing what it is really like to be here. I feel like a VIP guest getting in here before the athletes and getting to try out sports at the Copper Box. Really special and something I will never forget”

Image: Jordan Campbell: http://db.tt/fzq9DIBT and http://db.tt/Yt1U9yCd

TOWER HAMLETS

Muslima Sheikh, 14, from Mulberry School for Girls, said:

“I really like the Copper Box. It’s really colourful and different and I’ve never seen an arena like this before with so many different sports to try from athletics, curling to judo. It is so much fun.”

Image: Muslima Sheikh http://db.tt/rdfks3GK
 
Fahimul Hoque, 13, from Stepney Green Secondary School, said

“I never thought I would get a chance to have a go at all of these different types of sports on the Olympic Park. I love sport especially the athletics which has been lots of fun to take part in today. I want to have a go at everything.”

Image: Fahimul Hoque with Olympian Tony Jarrett http://db.tt/a2ctID4z

WALTHAM FOREST

Cydney Dell, 14, from West Hatch Secondary School, said:

“It’s really big – I didn’t expect the Copper Box to be so big on the inside. It’s really cool to be able to experience what the athletes are going to experience”

Image: Cydney Dell http://db.tt/5w5wrqWS
Ishmel Lewis, 11, from Norrington School, said:

“It’s quite amazing to see the building and know that the athletes will be here in just a few weeks time and that we have stepped foot in the building before they have ever even seen it. The Olympic Park looks amazing and I am looking forward to the Games.”

Image: Ishmel Lewis http://db.tt/uKs5yWiS
 
Jessica Day, 13 from West Hatch Secondary School, said:

“This is my first time on the Olympic Park. I really didn’t know what to expect but it is great to be here before the athletes are and to be part of this big sporting event.”

Image: Jessica Day http://db.tt/cB3CsURh

GREENWICH

Mini Kharel, 15 from Crownwoods College, said:

“It’s great to be here and trying all these different sports under one roof with our friends. Really good fun and we also get a chance to see what the Park looks like. I want to come back to the Copper Box after the Games.”

Image: Mini Kharel with Tony Jarrett http://db.tt/kHCyvipf
 
Kiran Van Den Berg, 11, from Greenwich, said:

“Today has been great. To have the chance to try out all of these different sports in the Copper Box before the Games is really amazing and I now can’t wait for the Games.”

Image: Kiran Van Den Berg (left) http://tinyurl.com/cfb3jbj

BARKING AND DAGENHAM

Linda Nwachukwu , 15 from East Brook Secondary School, said:

“I’ve never seen the Park before so I was shocked by everything that we saw. It’s cool to be able to say to the athletes that I had the chance to be here before them. That is really special.”
Image: Linda Nwachukuou (left) and Ebun Ore (right) with Olympian Tony Jarrett http://db.tt/TYc3KNkR
Notes for editors:
 
Main images of the One Movement Copper Box event: http://tinyurl.com/c8g4yrm, http://tinyurl.com/bqksek3, http://tinyurl.com/ch22ou3 and http://tinyurl.com/cny8g2s
 
The Young People are from the following schools: Rushcroft Sports College, Lammas School and sports college (Waltham Forest); All Saints Catholic School and Technology College, Eastbury Comprehensive School; Barking Abbey School (Barking and Dagenham); Woolwich Polytechnic School, Plumstead Manor School; The John Roan School (Greenwich); George Green School, Langdon Park Community School (Tower Hamlets); Stoke Newington School (Hackney);Cumberland School, Forest Gate Community School, Southern Road Primary School (Newham)

The London Legacy Development Corporation promotes and delivers physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding area, in particular by maximising the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It will secure high-quality sustainable development and investment and ensure the long-term success of the facilities and assets within its direct control and supporting and promoting the aim of convergence.

It takes over responsibility for the Park from the Olympic Park Legacy Company, and additional powers including planning powers from October 2012 from the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. For more information visit: http://www.londonlegacy.co.uk/about-us/
 
East London Business Alliance

East London Business Alliance (ELBA) is the leading social regeneration charity in east London. It facilitates corporate investment from 116 companies – including Canary Wharf Group, CMS Cameron McKenna, UBS, Nomura and Bank of America Merrill Lynch – into community programmes spanning the Host Boroughs of east London. ELBA manages the London Legacy 2020 programme, which includes Transformers, a £1.5 million Community Grants Scheme; Rep London, an employability and skills project; and In the Parks, a sports participation project – all funded by the National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor. The culture arm of the Legacy programme includes CREATE, a large-scale, multi-art form festival, for which Deutsche Bank is the main sponsor. ELBA’s London Legacy 2020 programme has been speci_cally designed to secure a positive, lasting legacy from the 2012 Games for east London communities. For more information go to: www.elba-1.org.uk.

Olympic Lottery Distributor

The Olympic Lottery Distributor (OLD) is investing up to £1.8 billion for the infrastructure of the London 2012 Games. It is also providing £66 million to LOCOG to support the Paralympic Games and £16.6 million for the Cultural Olympiad. A total of £3.2 million is being made available to ELBA to support community grants programmes – over £700,000 of this is contributing to In the Parks. More information about the Olympic Lottery Distributor can be found at www.olympiclotterydistributor.org.uk.

For further information contact the Press Office at the London Legacy Development Corporation on +44 (0) 20 3288 1777, +44 (0) 7817 386 499 or email: pressoffice@londonlegacy.co.uk 

The visitor attraction will be lit by 250 colour spot lights that can be individually controlled to produce a stunning digital combination of static and animated effects to bring the 114.5m Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond designed structure to life.

The energy efficient LEDs will be positioned in areas including the external spiral staircase, the looping lattices, the canopy and viewing platforms areas. There will be a 15 minute moving light show every evening, with special effects also created for major events in and around the Park. The lighting will be tested over the next two weeks.

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

“The ArcelorMittal Orbit will become one of London’s most spectacular attractions and a stunning backdrop to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

“The feature lighting opens a completely new artistic aspect to the work of Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond. It will create a vivid landmark with dynamic effects that we can use in tandem with different events.”

Ian Louden, Head of Brand, ArcelorMittal, said:

“We’re delighted that the feature lighting, which has been developed together with Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, will extend the ArcelorMittal Orbit experience into the evening hours.”

Situated between the Stadium and the Aquatics Centre, the ArcelorMittal Orbit will become an iconic new visitor attraction with viewing platforms that offer a 20 mile vista across to Central London.

When it is reopened in 2014, the ArcelorMittal Orbit will be able to accommodate up to 5,000 visitors a day with a potential to attract around 1 million people during the first year of operation.

They will be able to take a trip up the structure in a lift and down too if they wish, although people can walk down the 455 steps of the spiral staircase to admire the continuous looping lattice constructed of steel.

The ArcelorMittal Orbit will become both a permanent and sustainable sculpture with close to 60% of the 2,000 tonnes of steel used in the sculpture being made out of recycled steel.

Local employment is a key focus for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with 85% of the 50 jobs created by the ArcelorMittal Orbit going to people in the Host Boroughs.

-Ends-

Notes to editors

For images of the ArcelorMittal Orbit visit http://tinyurl.com/cyf4um6 and http://tinyurl.com/c9dorv6. Images of the structure lit at night will be available in the coming weeks

The London Legacy Development Corporation has planning permission to light the ArcelorMittal Orbit from dusk to midnight.

The London Legacy Development Corporation promotes and delivers physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding area, in particular by maximising the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It will secure high-quality sustainable development and investment and ensure the long-term success of the facilities and assets within its direct control and supporting and promoting the aim of convergence.

It takes over responsibility for the Park from the Olympic Park Legacy Company, and additional powers including planning powers from October 2012 from the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. For more information visit: http://www.londonlegacy.co.uk/about-us/

ArcelorMittal is the world’s leading steel company, with a presence in more than 60 countries.

ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global carbon steel markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology. With operations in over 22 countries spanning four continents, the Company covers all of the key industrial markets, from emerging to mature, and has outstanding distribution networks.For more information about ArcelorMittal visit: http://www.arcelormittal.com/corp/

About ArcelorMittalOrbit.com:

ArcelorMittalOrbit.com is a bespoke information portal designed around the ArcelorMittal Orbit. The website has been designed for general public access, as well as schools, the art and design community, construction and architecture community as well as tourist and visitors to the London 2012 Games. The website also holds a specific area for media with latest footage and imagery of the ArcelorMittal Orbit build.

For further information contact the Media Team at the London Legacy Development Corporation on +44 (0) 20 3288 1777, +44 (0) 7817 386 499 or email: pressoffice@londonlegacy.co.uk

Using Procure4London will provide suppliers with full visibility of new contract opportunities with the LLDC and also other awarding authorities in London.

• It’s FREE! – Quick and easy registration process.

• Create a supplier profile – Increased visibility to LLDC and other Procure4London buyers who can view your business information online.

• Response Manager – respond to tenders using notice Access code.

• Contract Opportunities – access to all opportunities submitted for publication by LLDC and all Procure4London buyers.

• Alert Service – receive opportunities via email that match your tailored alert criteria.

Suppliers should register now and create a supplier profile on www.procure4london.com

By using Procure4London, the London Legacy Development Corporation will continue to engage with our suppliers to ensure that published opportunities are accessible to a wide range of SME’s.

The London Legacy Development Corporation today took over responsibility for the ongoing regeneration and development of the Olympic Park and surrounding areas of East London.

The Development Corporation continues the work of the Olympic Park Legacy Company in maximising legacy for East London, and promoting physical, social, environmental and economic regeneration of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It also broadens this remit to take on a wider area, backed by statutory powers.

The Legacy Company’s staff and expertise have transferred over, together with key staff and projects from the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. Planning powers for the Park and surrounding area will transfer from London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and the Olympic Delivery Authority in October 2012.

The Development Corporation will be a ‘single point of contact’ for regeneration – landowner, developer, planning authority and investor. This groundbreaking format has been created through powers given to the Mayor of London in the Localism Act 2011 and will be accountable to Londoners through the office of the Mayor.

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

“Legacy plans are further ahead than any previous Olympic host city. The creation of the London Legacy Development Corporation will ensure we deliver our vision for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding areas and bring benefits to London in the long term.

“This is the next step in the legacy story. The Development Corporation’s wider remit and powers will provide much needed certainty to the private sector to continue their investment in the Park and East London, with the opportunities generated from this benefitting local communities.”

Minister for Olympic Legacy, Bob Neill, said:

“The Olympic Park represents the most significant regeneration project of the next 25 years. The Government is ensuring there is a lasting legacy from the Games and the creation of the London Legacy Development Corporation will take forward the future of the Park by now transferring responsibility to the Mayor of London.

“We have delivered tremendous public transport, housing and quality of life improvements in East London and have secured private sector investment. I look forward to seeing real local leadership in action as the Mayor takes forward this legacy.”

Over the course of 2012, the Development Corporation’s work will include:

• Announce plans for the opening of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• Publish a pioneering sustainability strategy for the Park
• Announce an anchor tenant for the Press Centre and Broadcast Centre
• Confirm the additional uses for the Olympic Stadium
• Launch a bidding process for events and attractions on the Park
• Appoint a developer for the first new neighbourhood – Chobham Manor
• Secure the planning application for five new Park neighbourhoods
• Begin work on the post Games transformation phase of the Park called ‘Clear, Connect and Complete’

They will build on the solid foundation created by the Legacy Company and other Olympic partners. Already six of the eight permanent venues have their future secured, with the remaining two to be completed this summer.

Last week, the International Olympic Committee commended London for ‘raising the bar on how to deliver a lasting legacy’ and creating ‘a legacy blueprint for future Games hosts.’

-Ends-

Notes to editors

The Development Corporation’s new board was announced by the Mayor of London on Friday, with many members transferring over from the previous Legacy Company board. For more information visit www.londonlegacy.co.uk/about-us/leading-the-legacy-our-board/

The London Legacy Development Corporation will promote and deliver physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding area, in particular by maximising the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It will secure high-quality sustainable development and investment and ensure the long-term success of the facilities and assets within its direct control and supporting and promoting the aim of convergence.

It takes over responsibility for the Park from the Olympic Park Legacy Company, and additional powers including planning powers from October 2012 from the Olympic Delivery Authority and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. For more information visit: www.londonlegacy.co.uk/about-us

The six venues that have had their futures secured are the Athletes Village, the Velodrome, Eton Manor (which will be known as the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centres after the Games), the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the Aquatics Centre and the Multi-use Arena (known as the Handball Arena in Games-time).

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority will own and operate the VeloPark and the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centres after the Games. The Athletes Village has been sold by the Olympic Delivery Authority – 50% to Qatari Diar and Delancey for private housing and 50% to Triatholon Homes for affordable housing.

For further information contact the Media Team at the London Legacy Development Corporation on +44 (0) 20 3288 1777, +44 (0) 7817 386 499 or email: pressoffice@londonlegacy.co.uk

The high level endorsement coincides with the IOC’s three-day inspection visit and the publication of the Government’s new legacy blueprint, “Beyond 2012” – which sets out for the first time the breadth and depth of the sporting, economic, regeneration and community legacy that will be delivered after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

President Rogge will meet the Prime Minister in Downing Street to hear where London’s preparations are, and how the Government is helping to deliver not just a great Games, but also a real and lasting legacy.   He will also be introduced to the new official Sainsbury’s School Games Ambassadors – Olympians Denise Lewis, Darren Campbell and Jason Gardener, and Paralympian Ellie Simmonds.

David Cameron said:

“Legacy has been built into the DNA of London 2012. But by definition, of course, the true legacy of London 2012 lies in the future. Though much has been done, I am acutely aware that the drive to embed and secure the benefits of London 2012 is still to come. That is our biggest challenge. It’s also our greatest opportunity.”

Jacques Rogge said:

“London has raised the bar on how to deliver a lasting legacy.  We can already see tangible results in the remarkable regeneration of East London.  This great historical city has created a legacy blueprint for future Games hosts.”

Seb Coe said:

“London 2012 will be a summer of sport and celebration like no other. But it will only be the start of the journey. My dream is that millions of young people, here and overseas, will witness the achievements of the finest sportspeople on the planet and be inspired to take up sport for themselves.”

Andrew Altman, Chief Executive of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, said:

“Legacy plans are more advanced than any previous Olympic host city. We are on track to build a new piece of the city in East London and over the next 20 years deliver an exciting mix of new homes, jobs and training, along with sporting, cultural and entertainment opportunities.  London has set the benchmark for using the Games as a catalyst for regeneration.”

There is no complacency amongst Games organisers, and there remains a huge amount to deliver before 27 July.  But, as the IOC President Rogge makes clear, the UK is setting the international legacy standard for all other bidding cities. The key aspects of London’s legacy – as set out in today’s new document – are:

• The concept of legacy has been built into everything we have done from the outset.
• Sport: A sporting legacy was at the core of London’s Olympic bid, and remains the heartbeat of our Games legacy. From grassroots to elite level, across schools, sports centres and community venues throughout the country, we want to ignite a new passion for sport across all age groups, and particularly among young people.   This includes:
  • A £500 million boost to sport through Government Lottery reforms, helping to support: a £1 billion youth and community sport strategy targeting 15-24 year olds; a £135 million Places People Play programme to improve the nation’s sport facilities and infrastructure; and maintaining investment in elite performance in the lead up to Rio 2016.
  • The Sainsbury’s School Games competition re-energising competitive sport in schools, with more than 12,000 schools now signed up, culminating in national finals on the Olympic Park in May.
  • Operators in place for six out of eight Olympic Park venues beyond 2012, helping to ensure no white elephants left behind after the Games.
  • More than 12 million young people across 20 countries reached through the International Inspiration programme, using sport to improve lives and change societies around the world.

• Economic growth: The preparations for London 2012 coincided with the worst global economic crisis since the Second World War. Despite the economic conditions, the Government maintained its investment in the Games. In return, London 2012 is now helping support the UK’s recovery. This includes:
  • The ground-breaking Olympic Park providing a showcase for UK construction expertise, with 98 per cent of Olympic Park contracts going to UK-based companies, and more than 10,000 business opportunities made available through the CompeteFor brokerage service set up for the Games.
  • Ninety-four per cent of LOCOG contracts won by UK businesses, adding a further £900 million to the economy.
  • A £3 billion economic boost expected in the years after London 2012 through domestic and global tourism campaigns, and Games-related trade and investment activity.
  • All of this anchored by the new cross-Government GREAT advertising and marketing activity, which 90 million people will see worldwide during the campaign.

• People: From the Olympic Torch journeying across the country to Britain’s biggest ever cultural festival taking place over the summer, and not forgetting a nationwide programme of community projects inspired by London 2012, everyone can be part of the experience – not only creating some wonderful memories, but changing many thousands of lives forever. This includes:
  • Supporting a new culture of volunteering, with 70,000 Games Makers and 8,000 Team London Ambassadors giving up their time to work directly on staging London 2012, and millions around the country getting involved in the Cultural Olympiad, the Torch Relay and the 2,000 community action projects inspired by London 2012.
  • Changing attitudes to disabled people, through ground-breaking TV coverage and strong corporate support for the Paralympics, and various community, cultural and sporting programmes to engage and involve disabled people in all aspects of planning and delivery of the Games.

• East London: The social, sporting and economic benefits of the Games are being felt across the country, but nowhere more so than in East London. This includes: 
  • Urban regeneration at a pace and scale never attempted before, with the impetus provided by London 2012 supporting long term regeneration plans developed by host boroughs and London Mayor.
  • The major share of the £6.5 billion in transport upgrades focused on East London – turning one of the worst connected parts of the capital into one of the best, including £200 million upgrade to Stratford Regional Station.
  • Significant corporate investment in the areas surrounding the Olympic Park, including the explosion in start-ups in Tech City, the development of enviro-tech industries at Dagenham Dock, and the £1.4 billion development of Westfield City Stratford – the biggest shopping centre in Europe.
  • Advanced plans developed by the Olympic Park Legacy Company, the Greater London Authority and the host boroughs to maximise the social, economic and environmental potential of the Olympic Park, integrating the new Queen Elizabeth Park into the surrounding communities, with an ambition to turn London’s newest postcode into one of most inclusive and exciting places to live.

After his meeting with Jacques Rogge, the Prime Minister will be joined by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal and will host a reception in Downing Street for young people involved in the new School Games, as the Youth Sport Trust announce the athletes who will champion the competition as ‘School Games Ambassadors’.

Speaking about the School Games, Olympic heptathlon champion, Denise Lewis, said:

“I believe the Sainsbury’s School Games will provide the young competitors with a fantastic opportunity to taste what it is like to compete at the highest level at a multi-sport event.  Competing in some of the Olympic venues before London 2012 is something most young people can only dream of.”

Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell added:

“At any major sporting event there will be a whole range of experiences that can both boost your performance, but also distract you from performing at your best. The Sainsbury’s School Games gives these young people a chance to understand the pressures and expectations of elite sport which can only benefit them in the future.”

Backed by National Lottery funding from Sport England, the School Games is a multi-sport event for school-aged elite athletes.  The finals will take place from 6-9 May 2012. Around 1,600 young people will compete across 12 sports, six of which include disability competition.