Beijing buzz draws record numbers to Olympic Park annual opening

Around 3,000 people joined bus tours around the Olympic Park, 50 per cent more than last year’s event, to see the site clearance almost complete and construction work underway on the Olympic Stadium, Aquatics Centre, Athletes Village and bridges, roads, utilities and other infrastructure across the Park.

ODA Chairman John Armitt said: 'Visitors to the site during last year’s open house were able to see the work underway to clean and clear the Olympic Park, much of it contaminated through decades of industrial use. This weekend thousands of people saw first hand that while Team GB and ParalympicGB were shining in Beijing work has been continuing at pace on the construction of the venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Games and its legacy. The weekend was a great opportunity to build on the excitement around hosting the Games in London in four year’s time.'

Open House also offered visitors an opportunity to meet Olympic athletes, take part in the Get Set London roadshow and find out how they can be part of London 2012. Get Set London has been travelling around London since January 2008 giving people from all over the capital the chance to try out new sports, test their own fitness and learn more about the business, skills, cultural and sports opportunities available in the run up to the Games.

The event was also an opportunity to gain feedback on the project from the public both during the exhibition and on the bus tours. Comments received included:

'I came on the tour last year and it is very interesting to see how much has changed over the last 12 months.'

'The construction team must be working very hard, well done to them all'

'I feel I experienced and saw much more than I had hoped for. I am amazed by how much work has already been done.'

'Really made the prospect of the Games exciting.'

'Fascinating insight into the whole project and the work involved in creating an Olympic Park.'

'Very impressed – such a vast scale. Very excited to be living in the area.'

'Can’t wait for next year.'

– Ends –

Images of the weekend are available for download at: http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/locog?nav=pr117057899

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

The construction of the venues and infrastructure of the London 2012 Games is funded by the National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor, The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London and the London Development Agency.

Find out the latest from London 2012 HQ on our blog.