Jubilant London resolves to make 2012 a success

7 Jul 05
Sir Robin Wales, the mayor of Newham, the London borough where much of the 2012 Olympics will take place, pledged that it would be working 'flat out' to ensure the games are a success.

08 July 2005

Sir Robin Wales, the mayor of Newham, the London borough where much of the 2012 Olympics will take place, pledged that it would be working 'flat out' to ensure the games are a success.

Speaking just after London was awarded the Olympics on July 6, he said his efforts would be directed towards ensuring that the stadiums and infrastructure were delivered 'on time, and on budget'.

The proposed main stadium, an 80,000-seat construction, will be built in the borough in Stratford.

'The games will bring thousands of new jobs, new homes and business opportunities,' he said. 'It's essential that local people get a fair crack of the whip when it comes to these opportunities.'

A futuristic Olympic park, including the athletes' village, will straddle four London boroughs. As well as the new sporting venues, 9,000 new homes will be created in the capital.

'A successful Olympic Games will not only bring significant regeneration to a relatively deprived area of the capital but should also… build a legacy that benefits the nation as a whole,' said Chris White, chair of the Local Government Association's regeneration board.

The games are expected to cost £2.4bn, part of which will be funded through council tax rises. National Lottery money will raise £1.5bn.

London mayor Ken Livingstone hailed the result as 'one of the best days London has ever had - and it is one of the proudest days for Britain and for British sport'.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell was immediately made minister for the Olympics alongside her current responsibilities.

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