The Host Boroughs and the Strategic Regeneration Framework
Olympic Legacy
The UK's original bid to host the London 2012 Olympics included a commitment to regenerate inner East and South East London to benefit everyone who lives here.
The six London boroughs hosting the Olympics - Barking & Dagenham, Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest - have been working together to ensure that happens.
Strategic Regeneration Framework
The Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) was published in the autumn of 2009. It outlined what the Host Boroughs wanted to achieve from London 2012.
Despite being some of the most vibrant, diverse and dynamic places in the capital, the six Host Boroughs are an area of significant deprivation, among the worst in England. The boroughs have high unemployment levels and underperform relative to other parts of London in many areas including income, educational attainment and health.
The SRF outlines how the lives of residents can be improved by capitalising on the increased investment and global spotlight resulting from the Olympics.
Convergence is the organising principle by which this regeneration will be achieved. It states that within 20 years the communities who host the 2012 Olympic Games will have the same social and economic chances as their neighbours across London.
Recent Activity
In summer 2011, one year to go before the Games, the Host Boroughs published the first progress report on Convergence. This showed that they are on track to meet more than half of the original indicators.
The Convergence Framework was also streamlined into three themes, recognising renewed priorities:
- Creating wealth and reducing poverty
- Supporting healthier lifestyles
- Developing successful neighbourhoods
The action plan showing the key priorities for the next four years was published in December 2011.
A joint statement was signed by the six boroughs and the Mayor of London which confirmed their commitment to prioritising investment into the area and securing its growth potential.
Economic Growth Potential
In 2010, the Host Boroughs commissioned Oxford Economics to look at the economic growth potential of inner East and South East London.
This showed that East London is poised for a significant economic renaissance with potential for growth that is unmatched across England. In addition to the Olympics, major investment is planned in developments across the six boroughs, such as the media centres at Hackney Wick, further phases of Stratford City, the extension of Canary Wharf and the Dagenham Dock redevelopment.
With the right policies in place, the Host Boroughs could become a net contributor to the UK economy, generating an additional £6-7bn to GDP each year by 2030.
Next steps
The Host Boroughs are continuing to work with their partners in local, regional and central Government, including the Mayor of London, to ensure that Convergence continues to be embedded in major strategic plans and initiatives. The boroughs are also working closely with both the private and voluntary sectors to maximise the effectiveness of new programmes and initiatives.
Contact
Liz Fenton, Host Borough Unit, Liz.Fenton@6hostboroughslegacy.org
Page updated: 24 Apr 2012