A CELEBRATION FOR LONDON LEGACY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Established in 2012, the LLDC have one main goal: to drive the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and transform the communities of East London. To mark the 7th Anniversary of its creation, we’re taking a look back at the LLDC’s major achievements and the impact it has had on Stratford.
Creating a hub for the arts and putting Stratford on the creative map, the Stratford Waterfront development will bring world-class cultural institutions to the area. BBC Music, Sadler’s Wells and the V&A will join UCL and the London College of Fashion at the new East Bank development. Once open, East Bank is expected to bring an additional 1.5 million visitors to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and create more than 2,500 jobs. Its contribution to the local economy in the coming years is currently estimated at £1.5 billion.
After hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, it was important to mark the event with a lasting sporting legacy. But there was a lot to be done to make each sporting arena fit to serve the local community. After an extensive 18-month transformation programme which began shortly after the closing ceremony, Stratford and London now enjoy world class sporting facilities. These include the Lee Valley VeloPark, the Copper Box Stadium, London Aquatics Centre, Tennis Centre and of course, London Stadium. Today, the Park has welcomed well over 16 million visitors, taught 1,400 school children to swim each week, hosted the Rugby World Cup and provided a new home for West Ham Football Club. A fitting legacy for a special event.
Sustainability and opportunities for young people in the community is a huge part of LLDC’s strategy. The organisation partners with other Stratford businesses across a range of industries to increase the number of apprenticeship schemes available in the area. As well as partnering with local schools on educational projects, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park runs the Legacy Youth Voice project. Every year, thirty 14 – 18 years olds are recruited to come up with ideas and speak about how they believe the LLDC could develop the area and support local communities.
By 2025 the Park is expected to have created 40,000 jobs, with 24,000 homes expected to be built in the surrounding area by 2031. Stratford has been hailed as the fastest growing area in London and we can’t wait to see how it continues to grow over the next seven years. Happy anniversary LLDC and congratulations for all your achievements.