Physical Legacy of the London 2012 Olympics in Newham
Assignment Brief
In this paper, you are required to discuss the Physical legacy of London Olympics games 2012 by New Ham borough by focusing on the essential aspects of it.
Instructions
Physical legacy of London Olympics games 2012 (New Ham borough)
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Measure the regeneration impacts and legacy of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics (referred to as the Games or 2012 Olympics) across a range of the Department’s key policy interests
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Find out the attraction of inward investment and the expansion of existing and new businesses
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Explore significant transport benefits
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Discuss the evaluation of the extent to which legacy benefits are generated, and, particularly, of how they are generated
Sample Answer
Physical Legacy of the London 2012 Olympics in Newham
Introduction
The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games were promoted as a major opportunity to regenerate East London, particularly the London Borough of Newham. Beyond hosting world-class sporting events, the Games aimed to create a lasting physical legacy through improved infrastructure, housing, transport, and commercial development. This paper examines the physical outcomes in Newham, evaluating regeneration impacts, inward investment, business growth, and transport improvements. The report also assesses how these benefits were achieved and the extent to which they have been sustained over the past decade.
Regeneration Impacts
The most visible physical legacy of the Games is the transformation of the Lower Lea Valley into the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This 100-hectare development replaced derelict industrial land with new sports venues, green spaces, waterways, and residential areas. The Athletes’ Village was converted into East Village, providing approximately 2,800 new homes and community facilities. This redevelopment has created a mixed-use neighbourhood, integrating housing, leisure, and commercial services in a way that did not exist prior to 2012.
Beyond housing, the area has seen significant cultural and educational investments. The East Bank development, located on the park, hosts major institutions such as the London College of Fashion, University College London, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. These facilities have introduced new employment opportunities, encouraged skills development, and attracted visitors to the borough. In combination with the redevelopment of retail areas such as Westfield Stratford City, these investments have contributed to the overall economic and social regeneration of Newham.
The Games have also contributed to local employment growth. Newham experienced a notable increase in jobs following the Games, particularly in retail, hospitality, and services linked to the Park and surrounding commercial areas. The creation of permanent facilities and public spaces has provided long-term opportunities for both residents and businesses, demonstrating a sustainable approach to urban regeneration.
Inward Investment and Business Expansion
The Olympics acted as a catalyst for inward investment in Newham. Both private and public sectors invested heavily in the borough, leveraging the Games to support commercial development. Large-scale retail investments, such as Westfield Stratford City, attracted international businesses and created a vibrant commercial hub. Similarly, the conversion of the Media and Broadcast Centre into Here East, a technology and innovation campus, has brought digital and creative businesses to the area, generating higher-value employment and fostering an innovation ecosystem.
The combination of public infrastructure investment and private sector involvement was critical in attracting new businesses. Public funding ensured transport and utilities were upgraded, while private investors provided commercial confidence and ongoing operational expertise. This collaboration has enabled Newham to establish itself as a competitive location for investment and business development, extending benefits beyond the immediate Olympic sites.
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