A MIXED picture has emerged from City Hall about the progress of the 2012 Olympics on the fourth anniversary of London winning the bid. Building is ahead of schedule after only two years. But the London Assembly is worried about East London getting its inheritance’ of jobs and improved environment afterwards

By Mike Brooke

A MIXED picture has emerged from City Hall about the progress of the 2012 Olympics on the fourth anniversary of London winning the bid to host the Games.

Building the massive site in East London is already ahead of schedule, with the main stadium, acquatics centre and Olympics village already taking shape.

But the London Assembly is worried about East London getting its inheritance’ of jobs and improved environment afterwards.

LEGACY

“The legacy promise was significant in London winning the bid in 2005 to host the Olympics,” said sport and culture committee chair Dee Doocey.

“Urban and social regeneration, and increased sports participation, were to be the hallmarks of these Games.”

But her committee’s report this week also highlights progress on transforming what was contaminated industrial land at Stratford into the Olympic Park.

“Some aspects are on track,” Doocey adds. “But the economic crisis is more reason than ever to ensure East London is left with an inheritance’ of jobs, training, environmental improvements and sports facilities.”

Lord Seb Coe promised when London won the right to host the Games two years ago this week that it would set new standards, she points out.

But the assembly has seen “no hard evidence to date” that this promise will be delivered.