The legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games has had a strong effect upon British industry, with businesses from a range of sectors as diverse as tourism and construction benefiting as a result. Last weekend saw the re-opening of one of the most tangible aspects of this legacy, with the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park now welcoming visitors from both the UK and overseas.
The opening weekend of the park saw more than 50,000 flock to the east London location, drawn by attractions such as a children’s parade, a performance by aerial acrobats and various other activities designed to appeal to Londoners and tourists alike. This is the first time the Olympic Park has been open to visitors since the Games concluded, and will now be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to boost London’s tourism offering.
According to creator, the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), the 230 hectare park equals the size of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park combined, and offers plenty in the way of wetland, waterways and forest. The diversity of the park is largely due to a £300 million redevelopment project which began 19 months ago in order to adapt buildings and surroundings for new uses.
LLDC chief executive, Dennis Horne, spoke of the successful weekend opening and elaborated on some of the upcoming events which will benefit the surrounding area.
He said; “It was great to see so many people at the park this weekend using it as it’s supposed to be used, as a new destination for London.
“This is just the next step in the park’s transformation.
“Our ambitious plans for culture and education will be complimented by some of the best events to come and enjoy like this April, Ride London and National Paralympic Day to name just a few.”
Yet the park is not solely a leisure location. It also provides millions of sq ft of commercial space.
For example, Here East –the former Press and Broadcast Centre – has been transformed into a huge digital hub that is already home to tenants including BT Sport.
The forthcoming Stratford International Centre will provide a thriving new business district incorporating more high tech office accommodation, hotels and retail space. A residential development is also in the pipeline.
The Mayor was highly impressed with the facilities on offer as well as the strong turnout during the opening weekend.
He said; “Londoners have voted with their feet by turning up in their hordes to declare this opening weekend a great success.
“With a season of bank holidays nearly upon us, I urge families to head east and visit London’s latest visitor attraction.”
With all this to offer, the park clearly stands to be the Games’ strongest legacy, providing east London with a world class business, culture and leisure destination.
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