London 2012 legacy - six months on
David Cameron and Boris Johnson explain how the Olympic and Paralympic Games will benefit the UK for a generation
The most important thing in delivering a successful Olympic legacy, write David Cameron and Boris Johnson in today’s London Evening Standard, is “to learn the lessons of the past”.
Too often, they say, Games have not been followed by decisive action. But “we will not make those same mistakes”.
Six months to the day since the London 2012 Games started, the Prime Minister and the Mayor of London say the UK is on track to see its legacy commitment through.
They point to an economic legacy that will “benefit our entire country for generations to come”. This includes:
- up to 8,000 new permanent jobs by 2030
- a further 2,500 temporary construction jobs along the way
- 8000 new homes, in addition to nearly 3,000 homes in the athletes village, with families moving into the East Village this summer
- the £1.5 billion Westfield shopping centre, which has already received 48 million visitors
- five new neighbourhoods, with three schools, nine nurseries, three health centres and 29 playgrounds all on the way
And they say:
… six months on from that unforgettable opening ceremony, we are both as committed as ever to making the most of the Games. And together with Seb Coe, we are determined to generate a momentum that will ensure the greatest Games ever deliver a legacy that lasts a lifetime.
They also announce that businesses will now be allowed to promote the part they played in the success of the Games.
Tens of thousands of British businesses will benefit as a result, helping towards the goal of achieving £13 billion of benefits from the Games.