APPENDIX 9
Memorandum submitted by the Mayor of London
With reference to your letter of 1 March to
Graham Hitchen, I am pleased to be able to provide the following
information:
2005 WORLD ATHLETICS
CHAMPIONSHIPS
The decision to host the 2005 World Athletics
Championships at a new Stadium at Picketts Lock was made before
the GLA was established. The GLA has been a member of the "Lee
Valley Forum" since it was set up, represented by Deputy
Mayor, Nicky Gavron, and by the Acting Head of Culture, Graham
Hitchen. The London Development Agency and Transport for London
are also both represented on the Forum, and both have been conducting
work to establish the viability of a Stadium at the proposed site,
and of investment in other forms of infrastructure.
The GLA continues to have significant concerns
regarding, among other things, the funding shortfall for the Stadium
development.
Regarding the hosting of the Games, I have recently
written to UK Athletics, stating that I am unable to be a signatory
to the proposed contract with the IAAF, on account of the level
of liability the GLA would be expected to take on.
MAJOR EVENTS
The GLA's Business Plan for 2001-02 sets out
the GLA's desire to attract world class events to London, and
we will be working in partnership with the LDA and with other
agencies to promote and sustain London's role as a world class
destination for international events.
OLYMPIC GAMES
A meeting was recently held involving the British
Olympic Association, and representatives from the LDA, the Metropolitan
Police and others, to discuss the possibility of London being
host to an Olympic Games in 2012 or 2016. I made clear at that
meeting my commitment to bring an Olympic Games to East London
and initial talks are now beginning with the BOA and the Government
to consider how and when a bid might be progressed.
March 2001
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