Assembly Calls For Investment In Olympic Park

The London Assembly has called for public funding to ensure that the Olympic Park does not become an island of prosperity surrounded by areas of deprivation.

In a motion agreed, Members warned of local people missing out if private developers are left in charge of the development of the Olympic Site after the Games. Instead, the government and City Hall should step in as necessary to ensure that the legacy commitments, to a mixed community and facilities that benefit local people become a reality.


The Assembly noted that the Mayor will take control of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) and called on him to use his new powers to deliver a lasting legacy in the east end.

Dee Doocey AM, who proposed the motion, said: "London won the Games on the basis of a promise to transform one of the country's most disadvantaged areas. That means a legacy of mixed communities, with new schools, health centres and local facilities. If private developers are left to determine the fate of the site, there is a danger that the homes will be designed to attract wealthy Londoners at the expense of social housing and local people.

"Without public investment there is a real danger that developers will be left to turn the Olympic Park into an oasis of wealth, out of the reach of local residents."

(CD)