The site I remember from previous visits was characterised by a lack of connectivity and physical neglect. What struck me was how dramatically the site was changing, and will continue to change. You cannot underestimate the importance of the powerlines project and the fact that very soon the electricity pylons that have blighted this area for years will finally be removed and the power switched to the new underground tunnels. Also the investment in the Greenway will encourage people to walk and cycle through the site and beyond.
What I saw gave me optimism for the regeneration potential of this part of London. Clearly there is a lot of work to do and ODA and partners will have to continue to work hard to deliver this challenging project. The profile of their work will grow and my colleagues on the PAC will continue to play a role in reviewing progress. However, leaving the site I was struck by the scale of possibility in this area and how this could permeate throughout the wider region.
My Olympics
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