LOCOG Chief Executive Paul Deighton and Tom Russell, Chief Executive for New East ManchesterTaking a tour around east Manchester, Paul was given an insight into the long-term benefits that hosting a large-scale event can bring to an area.
The London 2012 Chief Executive said: "We can learn a lot from Manchester. Had Manchester not put on such a spectacularly successful Commonwealth Games in 2002, the UK would not have got itself back on the map to win the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012.
"We owe Manchester everything in that respect. There are many lessons we can learn about staging a multi-sport event and the legacy it leaves behind for many years afterwards."
New East Manchester is now in its sixth year of a massive regeneration programme that is transforming nearly 2,000 hectares of the city.
Tom Russell, chief executive for New East Manchester Ltd said: "We are more than happy to share our experiences with the London 2012 team.
"Although there's still a lot to be done here, the Commonwealth Games had a tremendous effect on east Manchester, not only in terms of physical regeneration, but also creating 3,000 jobs and raising the profile of the area and how local people perceive it."
For more information on New East Manchester visit www.neweastmanchester.com
8 May 2005
