Annex 2
Letter, 2 November 2000, from the Chairman
of Sport England to the then Secretary of State for Culture, Media
and Sport
ENGLISH NATIONAL
STADIUM
I am writing further to recent correspondence
relating to the proposed removal of athletics from Wembley. We
have had a number of responses to the consultation exercise, and
we intend to present proposals to the Council on Monday 6 November
2000, for discussion. We are also scheduled to present a report
on the application for further funding for the feasibility of
development of the Picketts Lock project.
On the former the continuing sticking point
appears to be in relation to the costs of holding non track and
field Olympic events and Derek Casey is in discussions with Wembley
on the point raised by you and the BOA.
On the issue of Picketts Lock, we have received
a letter from Len Hatton, in his capacity as Chairman of the London
2005 Organising Committee, a copy of which is attached. The letter
concerns issues relevant to both the Wembley and Picketts Lock
issues.
As you know, one of our key concerns relates
to the funding shortfall on the Picketts Lock project. I am aware
that this has been raised with you by Des Wilson in the last 24
hours and I understand that you will be writing to us to clarify
the Government's position. This would be very helpful in that
Len Hatton's letter raises issues, upon which I would welcome
your views, if possible, prior to the Council meeting on Monday.
In presenting the application to Council for
further funding, we are undertaking an assessment of the key risks
going forward. The principal risks at the current time relate
to the ability of the project to achieve a planning consent within
a reasonable timescale and the potential funding shortfall. However
the Council will be asked to provide some support for key elements
of the next feasibility stage. Within this context the clarification
on the potential of additional funds coming from local and/or
national Government would be helpful.
In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact
me if you wish to discuss any of these matters.
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