Mayor To Create Post-games Legacy Firm

The Mayor of London’s Office, in partnership with the Government, have announced the creation of a dedicated legacy delivery company to maximise the opportunities for firms and local people at the redeveloped Olympic site after London 2012 is over.

Commercially driven and community focused, the delivery company will work with the host boroughs and local people, building on the investment and momentum already underway to transform the Olympic Park into a sustainable asset for the capital.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: ‘The prize that lies ahead is awesome for our capital and will reap benefits for generations to come if we get it right. To get it wrong is unthinkable. That is why I believe this decision will bring together crucial private sector expertise and ideas, in partnership with the extensive knowledge of those already working on legacy planning in my office, in the government and in the Olympic boroughs.

‘I am extremely keen to see the company up and running as soon as possible and look forward to working with the new Chair, Chief Executive and the Board as they build and develop the fantastic vision that is already emerging.’

The company’s remit will include securing a viable future for the venues that will remain post-2012, as well as creating distinctive new communities, ranging from urban centres to quieter areas for families surrounded by waterways and green open spaces.

The company is to be created as quickly as possible and a search is now on to recruit a Chair and Chief Executive to lead it and to bring together private sector skills, talent and new ideas to deliver the best possible legacy, whilst retaining public accountability.

It will also take over from and build on the solid foundation of the legacy work currently being taken forward by the London Development Agency which has been developing plans since London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Games.

One of its first tasks will be to oversee the submission of the planning application for the Olympic Park during the summer.