LOCOG-ODA move to new headquarters in Canary Wharf

Six months on from winning the bid in Singapore, work is continuing apace with preparations for the Games in 2012.

The two key organisations that have been set up to deliver the Games will be operating out of the same offices, to achieve increased levels of integration and efficiency. The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) has the responsibility for managing and staging the London 2012 Games, and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is responsible for delivering the permanent venues and infrastructure projects that need to be built for the Games.

The "Big Four" responsible for delivering the Games, Sebastian Coe and Paul Deighton, Chairman and Chief Executive of LOCOG, and Jack Lemley and David Higgins, Chairman and Chief Executive of the ODA arrived at the new offices on , marking the start of what promises to be a busy year.

Sebastian Coe, Chairman of LOCOG said "This is going to be a very exciting year for us. It is very important to for LOCOG and the ODA to be working closely together to deliver the best Games ever in London in 2012, which is why we are co-locating."

Paul Deighton, recently appointed CEO of LOCOG added, "I look forward with great anticipation to joining the rest of the team in March in our new offices. 2006 will be a busy year with preparatory work happening at the Olympic Park site, awarding of contracts for work, development of the logo for the Games and seeking out our first major sponsors."

Jack Lemley, Chair of the ODA, said: "I am delighted to start work in the new offices at the beginning of a new year with LOCOG. The ODA has a huge task ahead of it and there are big expectations on us. I am in the process of appointing the ODA Board and We are looking for world class Board members with the ability to guide the organisation and provide governance through the exciting challenges and opportunities ahead."

David Higgins, CEO of the ODA, added: "I look forward to working with my LOCOG colleagues and achieving the closeness brought by working side by side. The London Development Agency has got the Olympic Park off to a good start and I will build on their work so far. My priorities this year include putting together the ODA team, shaping the organisation's culture, further developing the plans for the Olympic Park and beginning to award contracts.''

LOCOG will be recruiting staff over the next few years to work on a range of different activities such as finance and legal, marketing and sponsorship, sport and infrastructure, and development of competition venues, and human resources.

The ODA will appoint and manage consultants and contractors who will be appointed to design and build the Olympic Park and related infrastructure. A transport team will focus on transport infrastructure. The first permanent posts were advertised at the end of last year.

ENDS

For further information contact
ODA Press Office, 020 3 2012 700
LOCOG Press Office 020 3 2012 100


NOTES TO EDITORS

Until the Olympic Delivery Authority is established by the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Bill, the Interim ODA is formally part of the London Development Agency. The ODA is expected to become a formal body in Spring 2006.

Click here to download hi res images of the leadership team