Supplementary memorandum submitted by
the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic
Games Ltd (LOCOG)
Q. "The Chairman raised queries about
temporary venues at Q 210, and his statement that the Volleyball
Arena was intended to be a temporary arena was based upon Table
8.4.4 of the Candidature File. Could you tell the Committee which
competitions described in the Candidature File as taking place
in temporary venues are still expected to take place in temporary
venues to be relocated after the Games; which competitions are
no longer expected to take place in temporary venues; and when
the decision not to use temporary venues was announced in each
case?"
As with any host city, since winning the bid
to host the Games it is prudent for LOCOG and ODA to review the
venue plans to ensure that the best balance is made between Games
experience, needs of athletes, operations, cost, delivery risk,
sustainability and legacy.
Immediately following the bid win, the masterplan
for the Olympic Park was reviewed to ensure the best balance of
these criteria, particularly in the light of the changed security
environment following the London bombings in July 2005. The outcome
of this review was the move of the main media centre (IBC/MPC)
into the Olympic Park, displacing Volleyball to Earl's Court,
which was previously housed in a temporary relocatable arena in
the Park. This decision was made in Jan 2006 with the full approval
of the International Federation and the IOC.
A review of the temporary, relocatable venues
is now currently under way to make sure that they remain the best
option and where possible they maximise any opportunities that
have become apparent since the bid. No decisions have been taken
at this stage in the review around relocatable and other temporary
arenas, although the review will be completed later this year.
Any changes to venue plans will need approval of the IOC, IPC
and International Sport Federations and be reported to the Olympic
Board in due course.
One venue change that has been confirmed is
that Mountain Biking will need to move from Weald Park due to
course requirements. LOCOG is working with Essex County Council
to find an appropriate alternative venue—no decision has
been taken. Any changes will need approval of the IOC and the
International Sport Federation and will be reported to the Olympic
Board.
February 2008
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