Britain 'on track' for London 2012 Games legacy at 200 days to go landmark, says David Cameron

[richard]

David Cameron marked the 200-day countdown to the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games by insisting Britain is "on track" to secure a lasting legacy from London 2012.

Mr Cameron announced details of new contracts for the long-term management of the eight permanent venues on the Olympic Park that would create over 250 jobs for local workers, and provide thousands of opportunities.

As it stands six of the eight venues have operators in place but Games organisers are confident of securing deals for the remaining two – the main stadium and the media centre – in time for the opening ceremony on July 27.

The Prime Minister, who is hosting a Games-focused cabinet meeting at the Stratford site, stressed that London 2012 would have benefits for the whole of Britain – and not just the capital.

"As we kick off 2012, the year of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Diamond Jubilee, this is the perfect time for the Cabinet to come together and ensure we are doing absolutely everything we can to make the most of this unique opportunity to showcase all the great things the UK has to offer to the rest of the world," said Mr Cameron.

"As Ministers visit Olympic venues, businesses, schools and organisations associated with 2012 right across the UK, I want the message to go out loud and clear, from tourism to business, sport to investment, we are determined to maximise the benefits of 2012 for the whole country.

"Today, as we mark 200 days to go, and six out of the eight Olympic venues having already secured their future, we are well on track to delivering a lasting legacy for the whole of Britain."

The Aquatics Centre and the Handball Arena will be operated by London-based Greenwich Leisure Limited. The Aquatics Centre is expected to become a community facility for use by local people after the Games, while the Handball Arena is set to be used as a venue capable of hosting concerts, shows and exhibitions.

Balfour Beatty WorkPlace will operate the 114-metre high ArcelorMittal Orbit, as part of its contract for facilities and estate management across the Park.

The firms have committed to recruiting staff from the local area and sourcing goods from small and medium sized local businesses. Both companies have also agreed to pay the London Living Wage as a minimum.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "This a ringing endorsement of our 2012 legacy and regeneration plans for east London and an amazing achievement by the Legacy Company.

"To find operators to take over these world class facilities so far ahead of the Games and to secure their commitment to spread jobs and opportunities throughout the local communities is the icing on the 2012 cake.

"We can now start the run in to a fantastic year of celebration with huge pride and optimism that London will stage a great Games delivering lasting sustainable benefits long after the athletes have departed."


Source
By Nick Pearce
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