Venues and Legacy
After London’s Paralympic Games close in September 2012, the legacy of the Olympic Park will begin to emerge, continuing the environmental improvements and regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley.
It will be the largest urban park created in Europe for 150 years, offering athletes and local people access to facilities for swimming, athletics, cycling, tennis, hockey and basketball. There will also be high quality open space, work, leisure and culture opportunities and much-needed new housing.
As a host borough for the 2012 Games, Hackney is using this opportunity to secure the best possible legacy for our residents, businesses and environment. Our priorities for long-term benefits are opportunities for businesses, a new neighbourhood in the east of the borough and more green space.
Sports Arena
A venue known as Arena 3 will host handball, fencing and paralympic goalball during the Games. In 2013 this multi-sports venue will be available for community and commercial use offering:
- Permanent and retractable seating for 6,000 spectators, plus up to a further 1,500 seats on field of play for specific events
- A venue that can be used for all levels of sports participation, from high performance training to community use
- Sport uses will include basketball, handball, football, volleyball, badminton, netball and more
- The venue will also host cultural, entertainment and business events
Parklands
The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) submitted its proposals for the creation of the legacy parklands in December 2009. The proposals, which will be determined in Spring 2010, set out the vision for a 102-hectare park providing a variety of recreational, leisure, events and nature conservation spaces.
The new parkland will re-provide the Arena Fields green space, include new walking and cycling links to Hackney Wick and the Marshes, create a natural amphitheatre for outdoor events and provide areas of natural habitat and recreation along the River Lea. The park will form the setting for the legacy venues and future employment and housing proposals. When it opens, Hackney residents will be able to quickly, comfortably and safely walk and cycle to the transport hub, shopping and job opportunities currently being developed in Stratford.
The ODA will start working on transforming the area on completion of the Paralympic Games. The transformation works will be complete by the end of 2014, but parts of the park are expected to open earlier.
The Olympic Park Legacy Company
The Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) was established in late 2009 and Hackney Mayor, Jules Pipe, is on its Board. The OPLC has a key role in securing a lasting legacy from the Olympics. It will be a long-term partner, working with the Council and communities to deliver this important ambition. During 2010/11, the OPLC will review the original Legacy Masterplan for the Olympic Park with stakeholders. It will also establish its plan for legacy use of retained venues (including the handball arena) and management of the parkland. By 2013 the OPLC will take over responsibility of the Olympic Park from the ODA. The Council will work with the OPLC to ensure its long-term stewardship of the Park provides real benefit for the people of Hackney.
Page updated: 5 Mar 2010