The 12-page leaflet to be sent out to local residents features the latest news across London 2012 and includes a special four-page focus on plans for Weymouth and Portland. The feature includes an update on the Olympic Delivery Authority’s (ODA) construction works to enhance the world-class facilities at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) which will host the 2012 sailing events.

The leaflet also gives local residents details on some of the benefits the Games will bring to the local area; early details on the transport plans for 2012 events; and details of the sporting benefits the enhanced facilities will bring to sailors of all ages and abilities.

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said:

“London 2012 will be a nationwide Games with sporting and economic benefits spread around the UK so it is important we continue to engage with people around the country to keep them informed of our plans.

“We’re making great progress at Weymouth and Portland and are on track to complete work by the end of the year, helping us to deliver an early legacy of world-class facilities for elite athletes and the local community to use well ahead of 2012.”

Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee said:

"We are on course to transform Weymouth and Portland from an existing top class venue into a world class training and competition venue equipped to stage further major international sailing events and competitions after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The enhancements will also provide new opportunities and facilities to enable people from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities to experience the thrill of sailing. This will leave a legacy of elite and recreational sailing for future generations. We are very proud of the progress we are making and want to share this news with local residents and businesses."

Jim Knight MP for Dorset, said:

"There is great excitement in Portland and Weymouth that we will be hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, so it is important we keep local people informed of the latest news. The progress being made on site is great and takes us a step closer to delivering enhanced facilities for local residents to use well before the excitement of 2012 comes to Weymouth and Portland.”

Cllr Howard Legg, Briefholder for Special Projects, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council said:

“We are pleased to be working so closely with the Olympic Delivery Authority to ensure relevant messages relating to the borough’s involvement with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are delivered to our residents.

“It is also pleasing that the current work being undertaken at the Academy, in preparation for its role as the sailing venue for the Games, will also be enjoyed by many local people before and long after the Games have finished.”

The update to local residents follows news that the first stage of construction works on the enhanced sailing facilities is nearing completion. The first stage of the Olympic Delivery Authority’s enhancement works involves reclaiming 18,000m2 of land in front of the sailing academy and the majority of the ‘fill’ material needed has now been installed with 50,000 tonnes of Portland stone put in place.

Once the land reclamation works are complete, approximately 150m of all-tide slipways and ramps will then be constructed later this summer, together with a new pier offering two yacht lifting cranes. In front of the pier, a new pontoon will be constructed with 70 berths and the enhanced facilities will be protected by a 200m breakwater. The enhanced facilities are due to be completed by late Autumn, keeping Weymouth & Portland on track to be the first venue ready for the 2012 Games, delivering an early legacy of world-class facilities for elite athletes and the local community to use.

Dean & Reddyhoff, developers for the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), are also well underway on work on a new 560-berth commercial marina at Osprey Quay of which 250 berths will be used during the 2012 Games. The marina will include retail and industrial development bringing enormous social and economic regeneration to the local area.

Notes to editors:

1. Additional copies of the leaflet are available from Weymouth & Portland Borough Council on 01305 838000. Copies of the leaflet are also available to download

2. Further information on Weymouth and Portland’s preparation as a sailing venue for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Legacy it is achieving, can be found on http://www.weymouth.gov.uk

3. The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (www.wpnsa.org.uk) is a world class sailing venue. WPNSA promotes the sport of sailing to all levels of competence and ability, through courses, training and events, whilst supporting and working closely with the local community. WPNSA hosts a number of high profile regattas throughout the year with conference and event facilities. For further information contact Cailah Leask, Fast Track Sailing (PR to WPNSA), on Cailah.leask@fasttracksailing.comM + 44 (0) 7785 294 321 / T +44 (0) 2075 935 268 

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For further information please contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 700.

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