As the London 2012 Project Officer for the Environment Agency I’ve trod and been driven over most zones of the Park throughout the construction programme.
But, only catching a lift back from Canary Wharf to the site, did this all start to hang together and the overall regeneration package become a whole. What we’re doing on this 2.5sq km brownfield site, interwoven with the River Lea, is nothing short of remarkable.
That morning I had taken part in the Olympic Delivery Authority’s Technical Fora on how the Olympic Park will be transformed after the Games are over. These Technical Fora enable experts in their field, such as the environment, to hear outline development proposals and engage and take forward these plans prior to a planning application being submitted by the ODA in December.
An artist’s impression of the parklands after the Games:
It was clear from the Technical Fora that transformation after the Games is critical to the future development of the Olympic Park and surrounding boroughs.
I’ve experienced the splendour and euphoria of an Olympic Park during a Games, as well as the sadness of seeing a Park and venues abandoned after Games have passed.
The Fora clearly showed that we must, and will not, allow this to happen in London. Retaining or scaling down venues, reinstating and developing communication links and reopening the parklands and recreational areas is a ‘must do’ to secure a positive legacy.
I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far but much hard work is still ahead. The passengers on my bus from the Technical Fora are tasked with: securing the best transformation of this Park beyond the Games; stitching together west and east London through good communication and transportation links; retaining the habitats that we’re lovingly creating; and securing a positive social, community and economic legacy.
In other words turning the Park ‘inside-out’ after the Games into a soft, open landscape for all to enjoy. Spending wisely that 75p in every pound earmarked for legacy and regeneration.
As we gloried at the spectacular designs and views of the iconic venues and our guide gave us fact on fact with a joke and a smile, our minds drifted to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games - but also the beauty of our endeavours for generations to come.
It’s so important that everyone benefits from a positive transformation of the Olympic Park after 2012 and you can still be part of it. I’m working towards leaving a legacy behind for everyone from locals to overseas visitors to enjoy for the next 50 years.
A ‘must return’ venue was the buzz term, let’s try and make it that.
