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Detailed resources for pre-university Geography students

Case study: London Olympics 2012

By Matt Burdett, 17 January 2018

On this page, we look at the London Olympics of 2012 as a case study of the costs and benefits for one country hosting an international sports event.

Why was London chosen?

London competed with other cities to host the 2012 Olympics. It was chosen from nine cities, with five shortlisted to make formal bids (Paris, Madrid, Moscow, London, and New York). London won the final round, beating Paris by 54 votes to 50.

It seems likely that there was a political influence in the decision – such as the French president insulting the Finnish delegation by complaining about the quality of Finnish food. However, the criteria of the IOC included government support and public opinion, city infrastructure (such as transport), sports venues and experience, olympic village and accommodation, environmental impact and legacy, safety and security, and finance. The following factors were partly responsible for the success of the bid:

• Youth engagement in sport was one of the pillars of London’s bit
• Sustainability and ‘legacy’ were pillars of London’s bid
• Regeneration was emphasised as part of the bid: the IOC was shown photos of the derelict former industrial areas
• The UK government had decided to focus its Olympic bids on London after failing to win the Games in 1992, 1996 and 2000 with bids from Birmingham and Manchester (two other major UK cities)
• Gender and age issues: most of those who spoke in the Paris presentation were male and middle aged; the London presentation included children and represented a multicultural London
• Financial: the British government was ready to back any over-spend on the construction of Games facilities. The initial estimate of GBP2.2bn was totally wrong and the games eventually cost around GBP10bn!

A further issue was the very local focus of London’s bid. Rather than being simply shown as a city- or country-wide bid, it suggested that the Olympics would have a lasting tangible impact on a deprived area of London, called Stratford.

The choice of Stratford in London

The area chosen for the main Olympic facilities was a relatively deprived part of London:

The area was therefore identifiably in need of regeneration and expected to benefit from improvements to infrastructure that would mean:

• Location of main venue just seven minutes by train from Central London
• London’s bid was one of the most compact Olympic Parks – only about 2 ½ square kilometres, so minimal impact on land use in the area
• Sizeable available brownfield sites for redevelopment, as well as the green spaces of the Lower Lea Valley, so there would be opportunity for further growth
• Development of a major transport hub in the form of Stratford International Station
• The athlete’s village was planned to be converted into 2818 new homes, of which about 40% would be ‘affordable’ homes for low and middle income families and disabled people
• Emphasis on urban regeneration: the swimming pools were planned for conversion into public pools after the Games
• Suitable location for further post-Games industry e.g. the media centre, where 20,000 people worked during the Games, was planned for conversion into one of Europe’s largest data storage centres

The costs and benefits of hosting the Games

Whether the Games were cost-effective depends very much on the perspective of the individual. Socially there were many benefits (see below) but these were not always long-lived, and participation in sport has now returned to pre-2012 levels. Economically, the Games occurred during the recovery from the global financial crisis of 2008-10, and many people felt that the approximate cost of GBP10bn to be too high, despite the lasting benefits to the environment and the future of the economy. Over the total period of the Olympics, some sources suggest “the city brought in around US$3.5 billion in revenues, and spent in excess US$18 billion – a negative balance of $14 billion plus” (Zimbalist, 2015).

However, many people feel that the London Games were overall a success, and provided a benefit to the city. It should be remembered that London is already the world’s second most globalised city (Dessibourg, Hales, and Mendoza Peña, 2017) and has been in that position since the index began in 2008. London has great wealth and experience in putting on large events and is used to welcoming visitors from around the world, so it was organisationally capable of running the Olympics. Other cities have fared less well with the legacy of such complex and expensive events.

• Eventual cost nearly £10 billion paid for by lottery fund so other things lose out e.g. arts
• Massive construction scheme lasting years disrupts local communities
• Better image for London and East End
• New sports venues around London and elsewhere e.g. sailing in Weymouth
• The UK government invested GBP 300 million to transform the Olympic site into the “Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park”, which includes housing, new schools, health centres, business space and sports venues.
• The first Join In weekend (encouraging volunteerism as the profile was increased from volunteers at the Olympics), in August 2012, featured over 6,000 events.
• 9000 new homes in total
• The Olympic Village was converted into more than 2,800 flats in 11 residential plots, with spacious courtyards, gardens and balconies.
• Five new neighbourhoods are being established around the park to include 11,000 residences, one third of which will be affordable housing
• The London Olympic Athletes’ Village is the largest sustainable homes project in the UK.

Education and sports participation

• A new youth sport strategy for the UK invested GBP1bn in youth sport over the five years following the Games and created 6,000 new community sports clubs.
• The Department of Education provided GBP 65 million to encourage efforts by physical education teachers to organise competitive sports, embed best practice and train primary school teachers.
• The official London 2012 education programme “Get Set” operated over a four-year period across the UK providing flexible teaching resources for over 25,000 schools and 6.5 million young people to assist them in learning more about the London 2012 Games, the Olympic and Paralympic values and global citizenship. An impressive 85 per cent of UK schools signed up to this programme
• The Olympic and Paralympic Games inspired over 2,000 community projects designed to educate young people in the UK about sport, health & fitness, art and Olympic values.

Environmental and general infrastructure

• Some people lost homes, allotments, and areas for fishing
• Olympic Park ‘largest [new] urban park in Europe for 150 years’ (ODA, 2015)
• Prior to construction, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA, 2015) excavated and cleaned more than 2.3 million cubic metres of contaminated soil.
• Transport for London invested GBP 6.5 billion in transport infrastructure in preparation for the 2012 Games.
• Ten railway lines and 30 new bridges continue to connect London communities after the Games.
• The UK’s Home Office (the ministry of the interior) invested GBP 40 million in communications upgrades for London’s Underground, doubling radio capacity at key stations to help authorities deal with any emergency.
• At least 60 Games-related projects promoted greener travel, including a GBP 10 million investment to upgrade pedestrian and cycling routes across London.
• A fleet of 200 electric vehicles transported Olympians, supported by 120 charging stations that created the UK’s largest network of recharging points. The charging stations continue to support emission-free travel long after the Games
• More than 98 percent of the demolition waste from decrepit buildings that were torn down was recycled.
• Organisers helped develop 45 hectares of habitat, with a 10-year ecological management plan to encourage biodiversity.
• 300,000 plants were planted in the Olympic Park’s wetland area.
• Over 1,000 new trees were planted in East London.
• 380 businesses relocated away from park to make way for Olympics
• Cost of living in the area for poorer people will increase
• 3000 new jobs (ODA, 2015)
• Factoring in pre-Games construction and other early Games-related economic activity, an Oxford Economics study commissioned by the Lloyds banking group estimates that the Games will generate GBP 16.5 billion for the British economy from 2005 to 2017.
• During July and August 2012, visitors spent about GBP 760 million in the UK, averaging GBP 1,290 per person – almost double the normal amount.
• Expenditure from overseas visitors in August, including Games ticket sales, totalled GBP 4.5 billion
• 75 pence of every pound spent on the Olympics went towards providing a lasting legacy to East London residents.
• Independent experts said Games preparations were a major factor behind a 1.2 percent reduction in London’s unemployment rate in early 2012.
• More than 46,000 people worked on the Olympic Park and Olympic Village, 10 percent of whom were previously unemployed.
• The five Host Boroughs surrounding the Olympic Park provided nearly a quarter of the workforce throughout the project. For example, the Host Borough of Newham had 4,364 residents employed by LOCOG or by their contractors and a further 5,518 employed indirectly on the Games in the lead-up and at Games time.
• The (new) Westfield Stratford shopping centre houses 250 retailers, 70 dining establishments and represents a GBP 1.4 billion investment in East London.
• The Westfield Stratford shopping centre created 10,000 permanent new jobs from day one, including 2,000 for local people who were previously unemployed.

Anonymous, no date. Why was London chosen to host the 2012 Olympiad? https://www.rgs.org/NR/rdonlyres/1E506FE2-3179-439C-81F2-B43D0B97D058/0/CGT_NetRaising_8Olympicpresentation.pdf Accessed 17 January 2018.

Dessibourg, Hales, and Mendoza Peña, 2017. Global Cities 2017. https://www.atkearney.com/global-cities/full-report Accessed 17 January 2018.

Dugan, E. 2013. Olympics legacy: Did the Games succeed in rejuvenating East London? http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/olympics-legacy-did-the-games-succeed-in-rejuvenating-east-london-8711691.html Accessed 17 January 2018.

ODA [Olympic Delivery Authority], 2015. Olympic Delivery Authority 2006-2014 – final report. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/olympic-delivery-authority-report Accessed 17 January 2018.

Stevens, A. 2008. 2012 London Olympics to regenerate one of the poorest areas of the capital http://www.citymayors.com/sport/2012-olympics-london.html Accessed 17 January 2018.

Wihbey, J. 2016. Olympics and their economic impact: Updated research roundup. https://journalistsresource.org/studies/government/infrastructure-government/economic-and-cultural-benefits-of-the-olympics-research-roundup Accessed 17 January 2018.

Zimbalist, 2018. The Illusory Economic Gains from Hosting the Olympics World Cup. In World Economics, 16, issue 1, p. 35-42, https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wej:wldecn:606 . Accessed 17 January 2018.

Case study: London Olympics 2012: Learning activities

• Outline the political, social, economic and environmental reasons why London was chosen for the 2012 Games. [8]
• Suggest reasons why some people feel that the Games were not an appropriate way to spend the money. [4]
• Suggest why some people feel that the Games provided a tangible legacy. [3]
• Create a spider diagram showing at least three social impacts, three economic impacts and three environmental impacts of the Games.
• Do you consider that the Games were a sustainable event? Explain your answer. [4]
• Overall, do you think that the Games were a success? Why? [6]

Other tasks

Imagine that you live in the area that is going to be transformed by the Games. Write a letter to the International Olympic Committee explaining why you do or don’t want the Games to come to London. Remember to attempt a counter-argument and rebuttal, and that this is a formal letter so you should be using formal ‘business’ language.

Going further

This site has a great number of additional sources that you could explore, for example if you are looking at the Olympics for the purposes of an extended essay. Page 11 is especially good.

• http://crln.acrl.org/content/75/1/24.full

Look at these sites for more in-depth information.

• http://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/23434844
• https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/02/140221-olympics-sochi-rio-de-janeiro-london-boris-johnson-montreal-athens-world/
• https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2014/02/03/270950685/did-london-get-an-economic-boost-from-the-2012-olympics
• https://d2rpq8wtqka5kg.cloudfront.net/129049/open20120701120000.pdf?Expires=1511793842&Signature=R043y307dmxOAQKbZckf67uuGsQhQUZ3~Fuml0zdCMn0Y2ZjYobP36CAdEROzjj4QvHUN0aFZKha~v7h8RAt1XLxQKkIZGyf6Z5h3N~U01FZv~N5u4gIXs~z43IkDQMr~1ShM9I4Px7hWR6~yG7TRi57jLt8x3Ti~2HiHGZYAiDpXP68St7EadjRxLr6HDZRtf-mOBRGCSKCxx7S-bhDyZWlDqR8kP4jayZQr7UtYoN-qSbdz6SqNBd3AIrQNhaCLp51mWZkSFex8XdXJblqSZDlAgdPYHvGLyD6wsZLSZAmvUE9MDQ4ol~SOhQ9qI9-zggFSUgaagHj1mPDR9Ak9A__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJVGCNMR6FQV6VYIA

And even further:

• http://www.olympic.org/Documents/Reference_documents_Factsheets/London_2012_Facts_and_Figures-eng.pdf Interesting facts in general.
• http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_282767.pdf Visitors impact – especially useful on p8
• http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/ott/overseas-travel-and-tourism—monthly-release/august-2012/index.html Also pretty strong, same basic source as above but with other links that might be useful.

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Dive into the fascinating depths of the Olympic Park Case Study, a detailed exploration of one of the world's most dynamic urban regeneration projects. Offering a comprehensive understanding of the key factors that drove its success, this article serves as an authentic guide. Learn about the local and environmental challenges faced, the inventive solutions implemented, and the significant impacts of this extraordinary case study. Whether it's the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, or the wider London Olympic Park, you will discover the intrinsic details and noteworthy insights that have been gained from this transformative endeavour.

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Understanding the Olympic Park Case Study

When you delve into the realm of geography, you often encounter fascinating multi-dimensional studies like the Olympic Park Case Study. This intriguing example throws light on how major global events can contribute positively to urban development and regeneration.

An Olympic Park is a sports complex built for the Olympic Games. It typically includes sporting, recreational, and ancillary facilities used during and after the events.

An Overview of the Olympic Park Case Study

In the exciting world of geographical studies, the Olympic Park Case Study stands out as a shining example of urban regeneration. This case study chiefly focuses on the Olympic Park constructed for the 2012 London Olympics.

Key details of this project are :

The site's former use: The area prior to redevelopment was a neglected, inequalities affected part of East London with many challenges, including high deprivation levels and infrastructure shortcomings.

Infrastructure created: The Olympic Park regeneration project was vast, covering an area of 2.5 square km.\( {\displaystyle \text{Area} =2.5 \text{km}^{2}} \)

This massive development saw the construction of venues for the Games, residential buildings, parks, and world-class infrastructure.

Post-Games use: Following the Games, the legacy plan aimed to transform East London, improving the quality of life and creating a sustainable community.

The Olympic Park regeneration project has since been hailed as a global model for urban regeneration, inspiring similar developments worldwide.

Key Factors in the Olympic Park Case Study

The Olympic Park Case Study is packed with a notable depth of dimensions.

• The planning process: a comprehensive plan, well-thought-out and executed meticulously.
• Impact on the local economy: A substantial increase in potential job opportunities and economic growth within the region.
• Geographical considerations: Choices in terms of location, dealing with existing geographical obstacles, and sustainability issues.

Insight into these key factors provides an essential understanding of why this redevelopment project has been so successful.

Sustainability in this context refers to the project's capacity to maintain its operations and values over the long term without negatively affecting the surrounding environment or society.

As you further delve into the Olympic Park Case Study, you will gain deeper insights into the world of Geography through the lens of urban regeneration.

Into the Details: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Case Study

Shifting the focus to the heart of our discussion - the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Case Study. This case study offers a deeper and more intricate exploration of the impact of the Olympic Games, coupled with the strategic regeneration of a deprived urban area. It's a remarkable blend of sports, urban planning, and geography.

Understanding the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Case Study

When you delve into the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Case Study, it feels like unravelling a multifaceted narrative laden with geographical significance. The park, formerly known as the Olympic Park , was renamed to honour Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

A Diamond Jubilee is a celebration held to mark a 60th anniversary. In this case, it marked the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's reign.

The vast 560-acre Park is located in Stratford, East London , and was developed to host the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics. It was one of the most significant urban transformations in the UK for decades.

The ambitious project's key objectives included improving the local economy, environment, social aspects, and sports infrastructure. It was not just about hosting the Olympics but about benefiting the local community long after the Games. That's what makes it a prime case study in geography, where studying the interaction between people and places holds significance.

Interestingly, the construction team for the Olympic Park focused on using recycled materials whenever possible. For example, the concrete used was made of 30% recycled content, showing an admirable commitment to sustainable construction.

Major Aspects of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Case Study

Diving into the major aspects of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Case Study, you'll discover some fascinating facts and considerations. Among them, the project's planning and execution, the engagement with the local community, its socio-economic impact, and last but not least, the focus on sustainability .

Sustainability refers to meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It intertwines with all aspects of human life, from economic growth and social inclusiveness to environmental protection.

Let's break down these major aspects:

• Planning and execution: Comprehensive masterplanning allowed for meticulous execution. The team behind this ambitious project prioritised health and safety, efficient management, and timely delivery.
• Community engagement: Community involvement was integral to the project. Activities included consultations, local employment, and volunteer opportunities, all aimed at fostering community spirit.
• Socio-economic impact: The project significantly contributed to East London's socio-economic development, bringing in investments, creating jobs, and attracting businesses.
• Sustainability: Sustainability was at the heart of the project. It was built into the design, construction, and legacy of the Park.

One example of sustainability was the creation of the UK's largest man-made wetland in over a century. This wetland provides a habitat for wildlife and manages flood risk in the area.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Case Study provides a comprehensive look at how major sporting events can serve as a catalyst for considerable urban regeneration. The study showcases how strategic planning, sociological insight, and environmental stewardliness can combine to create a lasting legacy of growth and development.

Exploring the London Olympic Park Case Study

When it comes to exploring the intersection of geography and large-scale urban regeneration projects, the London Olympic Park Case Study stands as a testament to the transformative power of such initiatives. This thorough investigation unearths how the 2012 Olympic Games served as an opportunity to initiate widespread change, reshaping and revitalising an entire district of London.

A Detailed Look at the London Olympic Park Case Study

An in-depth dive into the story behind the London Olympic Park brings to light its intriguing genesis, multifaceted execution, and its ongoing impact on the local community and beyond.

Before the ambitious regeneration project took shape, the area now known as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was characterised by industrial wasteland, rundown buildings, and a lack of sufficient infrastructure.

The project planning aimed at not merely building a temporary sports facility, but the long-term strategy focused on revitalising the entire community—building new homes, commercial spaces, parks and sports facilities that would continue to serve the community and attract visitors long after the Games concluded.

The massive 2.5-square km area was to host a collection of Olympic venues on a grand scale. These included the Olympic Stadium, the Aquatics Centre, the Velodrome, and the IBC/MPC complex that was set up to serve the world’s media during the Games.

Apart from these, the project also involved a comprehensive upgrade of the local infrastructure including transport links, power, sewage and water systems, ensuring the area was well-equipped to handle the influx of spectators during the Games, while serving as a robust foundation for future growth.

Infrastructure refers to the fundamental physical and organisational structures, facilities, and systems required for the operation of a city or society. This includes transportation, utilities, and various public services.

Noteworthy Insights from the London Olympic Park Case Study

The London Olympic Park Case Study is a treasure trove of valuable insights, examining not only the planning and development aspects but also the socio-economic and environmental impacts of the project.

A key aspect that stands out in this case study is the deliberate focus on creating a sustainable legacy . A significant part of this was the emphasis on 'green' construction methods. For instance, over 98% of the demolition materials from the old structures were recycled and used in the new development.

Some of the most noteworthy accomplishments include:

• Job creation: The project resulted in the employment of around 30,000 workers during its development phase and continues to provide an economic boost to the local community through the creation of jobs and businesses.
• Urban regeneration: The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has breathed new life into the Stratford area, transforming it from a deprived to a thriving community.
• Infrastructure development: Significant upgrade of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, utilities, and public transportation, enhancing the overall quality of life in the area.
• Environmental protection: Sustainable construction methods and the development of green spaces, contributing to the global sustainability agenda.

Urban regeneration is the process of redeveloping underused or derelict urban areas to bring about physical and economic improvements. This often involves upgrades to infrastructure, the creation of new job opportunities, and improvements to the local environment.

The London Olympic Park Case Study is a shining example of how astute planning, sustainable practices, and a community-centric approach can lead to transformative urban development, making it an intriguing area of study in the broader field of geography.

The Olympic Park Regeneration Case Study

The Olympic Park Regeneration Case Study serves as an impressive beacon of urban renewal and sustainable development. It showcases the strategic alignment of sports, urban planning, community needs, and environmental considerations to reimagine and revitalise a significant part of East London.

An Examination of the Olympic Park Regeneration Case Study

Undertaking a detailed exploration of the Olympic Park Regeneration Case Study, you'll be introduced to a remarkable transformation story, marked by careful planning, innovative design, social upliftment, and environmental safeguarding.

Focusing on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the case study takes you through the park's journey from being an underutilised and neglected area to a vibrant, modern and sustainable community-space post the 2012 London Olympics. Through the lens of geography and urban planning, this study sheds light on the interplay of spatial relationships, socio-economic factors, and biodiversity concerns that shaped this project.

For instance, the transformation took into account the existing waterways in the area. These were not only cleaned and protected, but also seamlessly integrated into the park's layout to enhance the space's attractiveness and support local biodiversity.

The fact that designs encouraged the use of repurposed materials from the site during construction is an exemplar of sustainable practices. Moreover, through the creation of renewable energy sources within the park, a commitment to protecting the environment for the long term was demonstrated.

The case study further examines the positive social impact resulting from the project. The development of new residential areas, creation of numerous jobs, focus on public access, and commitment to maintaining a communal recreational space emphasised people's needs and improved the quality of life.

Quality of life is a measure of the general well-being and satisfaction derived from a combination of factors like physical health, employment, education, environmental quality and recreational opportunities.

Important Factors in the Olympic Park Regeneration Case Study

Investigating important factors within the scope of the Olympic Park Regeneration Case Study reveals key takeaways spanning from design strategies and sustainability practices to social integration and urban planning.

Four crucial aspects underpinning the success of the project were:

• Design strategy: Careful and detailed planning took into consideration the geographical features and accommodated infrastructural needs, community areas, and the overall aesthetic appeal.
• Sustainability practices: Eco-friendly construction methods and renewable energy sources were central in laying out foundations and future developments in the park, aligning with global sustainability goals.
• Social integration: Factoring in the needs of the local community ensured long-term benefits. This is apparent in the creation of housing, business opportunities, and recreational spaces.
• Urban planning: Key infrastructural upgrades, including improved transportation links, played a significant role in revitalising East London and connecting it efficiently with wider London.

A unique example of urban planning was the establishment of the Chobham Academy within the Olympic Park. This institution welcomed students regardless of their ages or abilities, acting as a hub for education and community events right from the start.

Urban planning is a technical and political process concerned with the use of land and design of the urban environment, encompassing air, water, and infrastructure passing into and out of urban areas. It effectively promotes sustainability, health, and safety in communities.

These key insights from the Olympic Park Regeneration Case Study provide a nuanced understanding of the planning, execution, and impact of a redevelopment at such a grand scale. Several aspects highlighted in this example demonstrate the complexities and intricacies of balancing social, environmental, and logistical considerations - serving as a worthy referential case for urban geographers.

Olympic Park Case Study Challenges

Embarking on the ambitious Olympic Park regeneration project was far from smooth sailing. It was filled with considerable challenges, both predicted and unforeseen, adding layers of complexity to the tasks at hand. Despite these difficulties, the lessons learnt and triumphant overcoming of these hurdles make the journey even more intriguing.

Discovering the Challenges in the Olympic Park Case Study

Turning a mostly neglected area of East London into an impressive, modern, and sustainable community within a strict timeline was a considerable undertaking. The difficulties faced were vast, varied, and required innovative solutions.

Some of the notable challenges recorded in the Olympic Park Case Study include:

• Geographical constraints: The location of the site, with existing water bodies and undulating terrains, posed great difficulties during construction.
• Logistical issues: Managing an operation of this magnitude, with a myriad of parties involved and time-sensitive deliveries, was unquestionably challenging.
• Environmental considerations: Ensuring the development adhered to sustainability guidelines, with an aim to minimising carbon footprint and maximising the use of recycled materials, added an extra layer to the complexities.
• Community engagement: Meaningfully involving the local community, maintaining transparency, and ensuring minimal disruption to local lives was paramount but not without challenges.

Sustainability in urban development refers to the ability to accommodate population growth and development without depleting resources, causing detrimental environmental impact, or compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Logistical issues posed a significant challenge when it came to waste management. With the commitment to using recycled materials wherever possible, managing and sorting waste effectively was both an essential part of the project and a major logistical feat.

A particularly challenging aspect was ensuring the right balance between building sporting venues for the Olympics and creating spaces that would be relevant and beneficial to the community in the long term. This dual-purpose planning required forward-thinking and versatile design solutions.

Overcoming Challenges in the Olympic Park Case Study

Despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges posed by the Olympic Park regeneration project, exceptional planning, foresight, and problem-solving skills were leveraged to turn these obstacles into opportunities and lessons for future initiatives.

The solutions employed to tackle various challenges included:

• Clever design: The geographical constraints were addressed with innovative architecture and engineering solutions, using the existing natural features as assets rather than hindrances.
• Effective project management: A robust project management strategy handled logistical complexities. This involved streamlining communication, implementing strict schedules, and enforcing health and safety regulations.
• Emphasis on sustainability: Throughout the project, sustainability was made a priority, influencing design decisions, choice of materials, waste management methods, and even transport solutions for the Games.
• Community Consultation: A series of consultations, public meetings, feedback mechanisms, and updates ensured the local community was kept informed, engaged, and accommodated throughout the process.

Project Management is the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project acceptance criteria within agreed parameters. It includes initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria.

For example, to incorporate sustainability, the project introduced measures such as green travel plans, which recommended spectators to cycle, walk or use public transport to reach the Olympic venues, thereby reducing carbon emissions. This simple yet effective method reaffirmed the foundational principles of sustainable development pledged by the project.

Overcoming these complexities demonstrated the profound ability of the team behind the Olympic Park Case Study to face seemingly daunting obstacles and evolve stronger, constructing a legacy that still stands as an exemplar in urban regeneration.

Investigating the Olympic Park Environmental Case Study

Intricately woven into the Olympic Park Case Study is the notably significant Environmental Case Study. This perspective illuminates an essential aspect of any extensive urban planning project - its environmental footprint and how it contributes to achieving a sustainable future.

Factors in the Olympic Park Environmental Case Study

Deciphering the environmental facets of the Olympic Park Case Study provides a detailed view of the careful considerations and forward-thinking strategies employed to mitigate the project's environmental impacts. The studious approach to the environmental aspect of the project gave birth to several crucial factors that facilitated a sustainable outcome.

• Sustainable Infrastructure: Building from scratch provided a unique opportunity to incorporate sustainable design elements in all the park's infrastructure. Bio-diverse landscaping, green roofs, and sustainable drainage systems were some of the implemented green initiatives.
• Waste Management: With such a colossal construction project, dealing with waste was a significant challenge. The solution lay in an exceptional commitment to recycling. This initiative not only reduced landfill waste but also minimized the need for new materials.
• Energy Efficiency: One of the key focuses was creating an energy-efficient park, which led to the construction of a combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) plant on-site.
• Water conservation: Considering England's lack of water resources, incorporating water-saving measures into the project was paramount. Rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and water-efficient appliances were among the applied solutions.

Greywater is relatively clean wastewater from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances. It can be recycled for uses such as toilet flushing and garden irrigation , offering an effective way to save water.

For example, the Olympic Stadium's roof illustrates sustainable infrastructure implementation. Its lightweight design used 2,500 tonnes less steel than traditional construction methods, while the top covering consisted of a recyclable PVC material, thereby reducing material usage and promoting recyclability.

Remarkably, the project succeeded in achieving a 50% reduction in carbon emissions through the combined effect of sustainable construction methods, efficient infrastructure and the use of the CCHP plant.

Key Impacts From the Olympic Park Environmental Case Study

The successful execution of a sustainability-focused approach in the Olympic Park project has led to demonstrable positive environmental impacts, qualifying it as an exceptional example of eco-friendly urban regeneration.

Carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases we produce. It's measured in units of carbon dioxide.

A remarkable feat is the accomplishment in waste management. With a commitment to minimising waste, an impressive 98-99% of construction waste was diverted from landfill, either reused or recycled back in the supply chain.

The lasting impacts from the project are not just confined to the location itself. With its visible commitment to sustainability, the Olympic Park project has set a precedent for future developments in London and beyond.

Olympic Park Case Study - Key takeaways

• The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Case Study highlights the strategic planning, sociological insight, and environmental stewardliness involved in making a major sporting event contribute to significant urban regeneration.
• Before its transformation, the area known as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was characterised by industrial wasteland, rundown buildings, and a lack of sufficient infrastructure.
• The London Olympic Park Case Study showcases how sustainability was a crucial part of the construction, over 98% of the demolition materials from old structures were recycled and used in the new development.
• The Olympic Park Regeneration Case Study emphasises that the inclusion of design strategies, sustainability practices, social integration and urban planning were key to the success of the project. An example of this includes repurposing materials from the site during the construction phase as well as the creation of renewable energy sources within the park.
• The Olympic Park Case Study faced challenges including geographical constraints, logistic issues, environmental considerations and community engagement. Despite these, the project succeeded by finding innovative solutions to these problems.

Frequently Asked Questions about Olympic Park Case Study

--> how did the olympic park solve urban problems.

The Olympic park solved urban problems such as cleaning up the industrial site it was built on and working on water quality in River Lea. The athlete's village was turned into housing which was said to be affordable.

--> What were the challenges in building the Olympic Park?

There were several challenges:

• Economic - construction costs were higher than estimated.
• Education and sports - the Olympic Stadium is now used by West Ham United F.C. with high annual expenses.
• Social - businesses and people had to relocate. Furthermore, many jobs did not go to locals and construction jobs were temporary.
• Regeneration - many houses deemed 'affordable' were not actually affordable to the majority of the people, only the more affluent people. 

--> What happened to London's Olympic Park?

The London Olympic Park now serves different purposes. It was renamed Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and is open to the public for free to enjoy. The Athletes Village became East Village, a housing development. The Olympic stadium is now the London Stadium, home to the Premier League football club, West Ham United. The Aquatic Centre is London Aquatics Centre and is open to the public.

--> How has London's Olympic Park been regenerated?

London's Olympic Park has been regenerated by changing the functions of the infrastructure of the Olympic Games to serve the public and the local residents.

--> What are some of the issues involved in London's Olympic Park?

Some of the issues involving the London Olympic Park are that many properties with residents and businesses had to move to make space for the construction. Also, local wildlife was relocated for construction. The house and rental prices making it hard for locals to stay in the area.

Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards

Which statements are FALSE?

Why was the Olympic Park built over Stratford, Bow, Leyton and Hackney Wick?

Regenerating business developments to house companies such as Transport for London and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) bring _____ to the area.

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The Olympic Park has been renamed Queen Victoria Olympic Park after the 2012 Games. 

What is urban regeneration?

Urban regeneration is when an urban area, such as a town or a city, is transformed by refurbishing buildings, building or improving infrastructure, and creating landscapes.

They were more deprived compared to the rest of the UK.

TRUE or FALSE:  After the games, the London Aquatics Centre was made accessible and affordable for the public to use.    

What was the Olympic Media Centre redeveloped into?

 The "East London Tech City" and "Here East"

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Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - Stratford

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London (Stratford) was developed and constructed for the 2012 Olympic Games. The key features of the development are:

Olympic Park

• An area of 350 hectares of abandoned and derelict land was converted into sports and residential facilities.
• There are 100 hectares of new green space, with 4,000 trees and 600,000 tonnes of soil cleaned (to remove contaminants like arsenic and ammonia).
• 3km of rivers and canals were cleaned and 230,000 cubic metres of contaminated groundwater was removed.

• The accommodation that was built for Olympic athletes in the Olympic Village was converted into new housing for 2,800 people.

Transport and infrastructure

• The rail, bus and cycle routes in Stratford were improved to cater for the volume of people visiting during the Olympics and for residents afterwards.
• A new rail station was built at Stratford International.

• A new Westfield shopping centre was constructed within walking distance of the Olympic Park and Olympic Stadium.

Sports facilities

• The Olympic Stadium has become the London Stadium, which is home to West Ham Football Club.
• The London Aquatics Centre has become a public swimming pool.

• There are plans to build a lot of cultural buildings and experiences in Stratford. These include the Victoria & Albert East museum, Sadler's Wells East, which is a dance theatre and the London College of Fashion.

Stratford - Urban Regeneration

The redevelopment of Stratford illustrates many of the core principles of regeneration.

International impact

• The presence of many MNC retailers like Zara in the Westfield shopping centre illustrates the significance of global influences on places.
• Furthermore, the Olympic Park was primarily built initially to host the Olympics, which is a global competition. London probably only won the rights to host the 2012 Olympics because of good rail, underground and air transport links.

Regeneration strategies

• Sport-led regeneration is clear with the London Stadium, Aquatic Centre and Olympic Games.
• Tourism-led regeneration is evident because the Olympic Park hosted the Olympic Games.
• Retail-led regeneration is shown by the construction of a Westfield shopping centre nearby.
• Culture-led regeneration is shown by the establishment of museums like the Victoria & Albert Museum East nearby.

Win-win redevelopment

• Although, many stakeholders may have attachment and life experiences of the pre-development Stratford, regenerating derelict and unused land is likely to be less controversial than developing other areas.

1 Tectonic Processes & Hazards

1.1 Tectonic Processes & Hazards

1.1.1 Tectonic Plates

1.1.2 Distribution of Tectonic Hazards

1.1.3 Theoretical Frameworks

1.1.4 Earthquakes

1.1.5 Earthquake Hazards

1.1.6 Volcanoes

1.1.7 Tsunamis

1.1.8 End of Topic Test - Tectonic Processes

1.1.9 Exam-Style Question - Earthquakes

1.2 Natural Disasters

1.2.1 Introduction to Natural Disasters

1.2.2 Impacts of Hazards

1.2.3 Comparing Hazards

1.2.4 Development & Governance

1.3 Natural Disaster Case Studies

1.3.1 Tohoku Earthquake & Tsunami

1.3.2 Gorkha Earthquake

1.3.3 Mount Merapi Eruption

1.4 Trends & Patterns

1.4.1 Disaster Trends

1.4.2 Prediction

1.5 Disaster Modification

1.5.1 Hazard Management

1.5.2 Modifications

1.5.3 End of Topic Test - Natural Disasters

1.5.4 Exam-Style Question - Disaster Modification

2 Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

2.1 Glaciated Landscapes Over Time

2.1.1 Timeline of Glacial Change

2.1.2 Natural Causes

2.1.3 Ice Distributions

2.2 Periglacial Landscapes

2.2.1 Periglacial Processes

2.2.2 Periglacial Landforms

2.3 Glacial Processes

2.3.1 Mass Balance

2.3.2 Glacial Movement

2.4 Glacial Landforms

2.4.1 Landscapes

2.4.2 Erosional Landforms

2.4.3 Erosional Landforms 2

2.4.4 Erosional Landforms 3

2.4.5 Depositional Landforms

2.4.6 Fluvioglaciation

2.5 The Future of Glaciated Landscapes

2.5.1 The Value of Glaciated Landscapes

2.5.2 The Value of Glaciated Landscapes 2

2.5.3 Threats to Glaciated Landscapes

2.5.4 Managing the Threats to Glaciated Landscapes

3 Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

3.1 Coastal Landscapes

3.1.1 The Wider Coastal Landscape

3.1.2 Geological Structure

3.1.3 Lithology & Vegetation

3.2 Coastal Erosion & Deposition

3.2.1 Shaping Coastlines

3.2.2 Coastal Formations

3.2.3 Sediment Transportation

3.2.4 Subaerial Processes

3.3 Coastal Risks

3.3.1 Sea Level Change

3.3.2 Coastal Retreat

3.3.3 Coastal Flooding

3.4 Managing Coastlines

3.4.1 Consequences of Coastal Recession

3.4.2 Engineering Management Approaches

3.4.3 Governance Approaches

4 Globalisation

4.1 Globalisation

4.1.1 Intro to Globalisation

4.1.2 Development of Globalisation

4.1.3 Economic Policy & Globalisation

4.1.4 Government Policy & Globalisation

4.1.5 International Organisations & Globalisation

4.1.6 Measuring Globalisation

4.1.7 TNCs & Globalisation

4.1.8 TNCs - Aramco & Anglo-Iranian Oil

4.2 Negatives of Globalisation

4.2.1 'Switched Off' Places

4.3 Global Shift

4.3.1 Global Shift for Developing Nations

4.3.2 Global Shift for Developing Nations 2

4.3.3 Global Shift for Developed Nations

4.3.4 End of Topic Test - Globalisation

4.4 Migration

4.4.1 Megacities

4.4.2 International Migration

4.4.3 Country Interdependence

4.5 Culture

4.5.1 Global Culture

4.5.2 Cultural Erosion

4.6 Measuring Development

4.6.1 Measuring Development

4.7 Responses to Globalisation

4.7.1 Tensions Caused by Globalisation

4.7.2 Government Control of Globalisation

4.7.3 Ethical Responses to Globalisation

4.7.4 End of Topic Test - Migration, Culture, & Response

5 Option 4A: Regenerating Places

5.1 Types of Economies

5.1.1 Economic Activity

5.1.2 Employment

5.1.3 Economic Activity - Health & Life

5.1.4 Economic Activity - Education & Inequality

5.2 Function of Places

5.2.1 Characteristics of Places

5.2.2 Changes in Places

5.2.3 International Influences on Places

5.2.4 Historic Influences on Places

5.2.5 The Perception of Places

5.2.6 Lived Experience & Attachment

5.3 Regeneration

5.3.1 Migration & Capital

5.3.2 Success & Regeneration

5.3.3 Tensions & Conflict in Communities

5.3.4 Regeneration in the UK

5.3.5 Local Government Policies

5.3.6 Regeneration Strategies

5.3.7 Measuring Regeneration Success

5.4 Regeneration Case Studies

5.4.1 Stratford

5.4.2 Salford Quays

5.4.3 Croyde

6 Option 4B: Diverse Places

6.1 Population Structure

6.1.1 The UK

6.1.2 Population Characteristics

6.1.3 Government & Change

6.2 Past & Present Connections

6.2.1 International Influence on Places

6.2.2 Historic Influences on Places

6.2.3 The Perception of Places

6.2.4 Image & Identity

6.3 Urban & Rural Spaces

6.3.1 Perceptions of Urban Places

6.3.2 Perceptions of Rural Places

6.3.3 Evaluating Living Space

6.4 Diversity

6.4.1 UK Migrations

6.4.2 Challenges

6.4.3 Tensions & Conflict

6.4.4 Wider Outcomes of Tensions

6.4.5 Managing Tensions

6.5 Urban & Rural Case Studies

6.5.1 Stakeholders

6.6 Case Study - Tower Hamlets

6.6.1 Background

6.6.2 Characteristics

6.6.3 Issues

6.7 Case Study - Sturton-le-Steeple

6.7.1 Background

6.7.2 Characteristics

6.7.3 Issues

7 The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

7.1 Hydrological Processes Global to Local

7.1.1 Global Hydrological Cycle

7.1.2 Drainage Basin Hydrological Cycle

7.1.3 Water Budgets

7.1.4 River Regimes

7.1.5 Storm Hydrographs

7.2 Influences on the Water Cycle

7.2.1 Causes of Drought

7.2.2 Impacts of Drought

7.2.3 Causes of Flooding

7.2.4 Impacts of Flooding

7.2.5 Climate Change & The Water Cycle

7.2.6 Impacts of Climate Change

7.2.7 End of Topic Test - The Water Cycle

7.3 Water Insecurity

7.3.1 Water Stress

7.3.2 Causes of Water Insecurity

7.3.3 Water Insecurity Risk

7.3.4 Conflict Over Water

7.4 Water Supply Management

7.4.1 Hard Engineering Schemes

7.4.2 Sustainable Management

7.4.3 Water Treaties & Framework

7.4.4 End of Topic Test - Water Insecurity & Management

8 The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

8.1 The Carbon Cycle

8.1.1 Carbon Stores

8.1.2 Carbon Stores 2

8.1.3 Biological Carbon

8.1.4 Atmospheric Carbon

8.1.5 Burning Fossil Fuels

8.2 Energy Consumption

8.2.1 Consumption

8.2.2 Access to Energy

8.2.3 Energy Players

8.2.4 Supply & Demand

8.2.5 Pathways

8.2.6 End of Topic Test - Carbon & Consumption

8.3 Alternative Energy

8.3.1 Unconventional Fuels

8.3.2 Non-Fossil Fuels

8.3.3 Non-Fossil Fuels 2

8.4 Growing Demand for Resources

8.4.1 Deforestation

8.4.2 Water

8.4.3 Climate Change

8.5 The Future

8.5.1 Future Uncertainty

8.5.2 Adaptation Strategies

8.5.3 Mitigation Strategies

9 Superpowers (A2 only)

9.1 Superpowers

9.1.1 Introduction to Superpowers

9.1.2 Superpowers - Economic Power & Size

9.1.3 Superpowers - Political & Military Power

9.1.4 Superpowers - Culture, Demography & Resources

9.1.5 Geo-Strategic Location

9.2 Hard & Soft Power

9.2.1 Hard & Soft Power

9.2.2 Emerging Powers - China Rivalry

9.2.3 Emerging Powers - Chinese Sources of Power

9.2.4 Emerging Powers - Brazil

9.2.5 Emerging Powers - Russia

9.2.6 Emerging Powers - India

9.2.7 Theories of Development

9.2.8 Power Case Studies: Chinese One Belt One Road

9.2.9 Power Case Studies: Pakistan Nuclear Arms

9.2.10 Power Case Studies: OPEC

9.3 IGOs, TNCs & Alliances

9.3.1 Superpowers & IGOs

9.3.2 Superpowers & TNCs

9.3.3 Superpowers & Global Action

9.3.4 Superpowers & Alliances

9.3.5 Superpowers & the Environment

9.4 Changing Global Influence

9.4.1 Recent Tensions between Powers

9.4.2 China in Africa & Asia

9.4.3 Tensions in the Middle East

9.4.4 Economic Problems for Superpowers

9.4.5 Future Pattern of Power

10 Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

10.1 Human Development

10.1.1 Measuring Development

10.1.2 Factors Improving Development

10.1.3 Variations in Health

10.2 Role of Governments & IGOs

10.2.1 Targets & Attitudes

10.2.2 Financial IGOs

10.2.3 The United Nations (UN)

10.2.4 The UN's MDGs & SDGs

10.3 Human Rights

10.3.1 Human Rights

10.3.2 Differences Between Countries

10.3.3 Transitions to Democracy

10.3.4 Differences Within Countries

10.3.5 The Demand for Equality

10.4 Interventions

10.4.1 Geopolitical Interventions

10.4.2 International Intervention Players

10.4.3 Evaluating Geopolitical Intervention

10.4.4 Military Interventions

10.4.5 Evaluating Military Interventions

10.5 Development Aid

10.5.1 Forms

10.5.2 Successes

10.5.3 Criticisms

10.5.4 Development Aid & the Environment

10.5.5 Evaluating Development Aid

10.5.6 Economic Inequalities

11 Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

11.1 Globalisation & Migration

11.1.1 Intro to Migration

11.1.2 Trends in Migration

11.1.3 Common Migration Patterns

11.1.4 Causes of Migration

11.1.5 Restrictions on Migration

11.2 Consequences of Migration

11.2.1 Intro to Culture

11.2.2 Social & Demographic Tensions of Migration

11.2.3 Political & Economic Tensions of Migration

11.3 Nation States

11.3.1 Intro to Nation States

11.3.2 Borders

11.3.3 Nationalism

11.4 Responses to Global Migration

11.4.1 Responses to Global Migration

11.4.2 Global Organisations

11.4.3 IGOs and World Trade

11.4.4 Financial IGOs

11.4.5 Environmental IGOs

11.5 Sovereignty & Identity

11.5.1 Sovereignty & Nationalism

11.5.2 Complex Identities

11.5.3 Challenges to National Identities

11.5.4 Tensions within Nations

11.5.5 Failed States

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Measuring Regeneration Success

Salford Quays

Stratford Olympic Park

The Olympic Park was a Brownfield site having suffered from Deindustrialisation .

When the Olympics were hosted here, it caused Regeneration of the area.

This is partly due to Gentrification of the East Village as city workers move in.

The London 2012 Olympic Legacy was a plan to make sure that the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games had Long Term Benefits .

This legacy was to cover 4 main areas:

• Economic – supporting new jobs and skills, encouraging trade, inward investment and tourism
• Sports – continuing elite success, development of more sports facilities and encouraging participation in schools sports and wider
• Social and volunteering – inspiring others to volunteer and encouraging social change
• Regeneration – reuse of venues, new homes, and improved transportation

The key is urban regeneration. Urban Regeneration is the improvement of the buildings and infrastructure of an area.

Tower Hamlets were in dire need of regeneration as they had:

• A lot of abandoned old industrial sites
• Low achievement at school in terms of GCSE points score
• Industrial wastelands
• Higher than average unemployment than the rest of London
• Higher deprivation and poverty for the people that lived there
• Lower household incomes then the London average
• The athletes’ village has been relaunched as a housing estate. Almost half of these 2,818 new homes (40%) are affordable.
• The Olympics has helped schools in the area – there was a shortage of spaces but a new school opened in the grounds of the park.
• The aquatics centre now uses its 50m pools as facilities for the community and schools, as well as elite athletes.
• Unemployment OVERALL fell across London during the Olympic period

Negatives :

• Anne Power at the London School of Economics said “The ‘affordable rents’ for the 2,800 new homes will be unaffordable to Newham’s poorest households.
• During the construction of the Olympics, very few jobs were created for local people. There are still high levels of unemployment in the borough and it was a missed opportunity to train people up for work.
• Many people in the boroughs surrounding the Olympic Park remain in poverty
• Properties for poorer people had to be demolished to make way for the site, 450 Housing Association flats were torn down for example.
• Stratford is now second only to King’s Cross as the most connected part of London.
• The Olympics brought more than £9bn of investment to east London, much of which went into transport.
• ALL of the Olympic venues have been sold.
• The Olympic stadium is estimated to have cost £701 million pounds, almost 3 times the original estimate
• £8.77 billion of tax payer’s money
• Existing businesses had to move, including H. Forman and Sons, a salmon-smoking factory with 50 employees
• Rents and property prices have gone up

Environmentally

• Many of the grounds in the Olympic Park have been kept as parkland and are open to the public for use. New green spaces and wildlife habitats were created, including ponds and woodlands.
• The stadiums were made of 25% recycled materials
• The River Lea that runs through the Olympic Park was improved as has the quality of its water. Green areas were placed along the banks of the river.
• The Olympic Site was built largely on 560 acres of brownfield land
• Researchers helped choose sustainable & biodiverse vegetation suited to an urban environment, including 4,000 trees.
• Much wildlife had to be relocated; 4,000 smooth newts, 100 toads and 300 common lizards as well as fish including pikes and eels were moved by the Olympic Delivery Authority.
• Many of the materials for the stadiums and the Olympic Park came from overseas
• The games produced 3.3 million tons of CO2

E15Campaign

How does this opinion frame the Olympics?

East Village London

Compare this to E15.

Regeneration

Gentrification is the process by which older (often run down) parts of the city, often close to the city centre, become culturally desirable, so wealthier people move in and change the area.

The gentrification applies to areas around the Olympic Park.

In particular, Hackney Wick.

Some of the park was invested by TNCS. An Australian TNC Invested with the building of the shopping centre. Lendlease are a TNC helping to build the International Quarter.

Regeneration Outside of Stratford

Studentification is the gradual change (social and environmental) of an area of a the city by the arrival of increasing numbers of students and the conversion of older, often 19th century, houses into student flats by subdividing large properties.

Universities bring employment and student spending which regenerates pubs, shops and buy to let properties.

The rural-urban fringe (areas outside of the inner city, close to rural areas) have experienced regeneration too. For example “London Square Chigwell Village is a gated oasis of forty three homes, set in and around stunning landscaped gardens, creating a spacious and beautiful environment.’’

London Square’s reputation for developing award-winning homes in some of London’s most desirable locations is exemplified in Chigwell Village, perfectly located in the heart of Chigwell itself. Prices from £1,095,000.

UIC - London - Regeneration

The London Olympics of 2012 was a fantastic sporting spectacle and put the spotlight of the World on our capital city.  Part of the aims of the Olympics was to completely transform an area of East London that is lagging behind the rest, East London.  The idea was to leave a lasting legacy or impact not just for sport but for the urban area in the East of London.

The London 2012 Olympic Legacy was a plan to make sure that the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games had LONG TERM BENEFITS. This legacy was to cover 4 main areas; 1. Economic – supporting new jobs and skills, encouraging trade, inward investment and tourism 2. Sports – continuing elite success, development of more sports facilities and encouraging participation in schools sports and wider 3. Social and volunteering – inspiring others to volunteer and encouraging social change 4. Regeneration – reuse of venues, new homes, and improved transportation

The key for this unit is Legacy point 4 – urban regeneration.  Urban Regeneration is the whole sale improvement of the buildings and infrastructure of an area.   The Olympic athletes village was converted to a new housing area in London.

The areas hosting the Olympics like Stratford and nearby Tower Hamlets were in dire need of regeneration as they had; • a lot of abandoned old industrial sites, • low achievement at school in  terms of GCSE points score • industrial wastelands, • higher than average unemployment than the rest of London and • higher deprivation and poverty for the people that lived there • Lower household incomes then the London average as shown on the map below

There were many POSITIVES in the long run from the Olympics, in terms of regenerating East London socially, economically and environmentally.

NEXT TOPIC - UIC - Sustainability in Urban areas

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Join get revising, already a member, stratford, newham - distant changing places case study.

• Case studies changing places
• Created by: abibretton
• Created on: 17-02-22 13:17

location of Stratford and Newham

London Borough of Newham is located in east London , 5 miles east of the City of London and North of the River Thames

Stratford is a district within Newham , located towards the north-west border of the borough (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is located here)

locale of Stratford

major multilevel interchange station that is well connected to key London locations through its position on 4 lines of the Tube network

Westfield Stratford City opened in 2011, with 350 stores and services. It is the 3rd largest shopping centre in the UK

Stratford contains the 2012 Olympics Athletes Village and most of the Olympic Park

wide range of housing - more modern accommodation with high-rise flats in the regenerated west Stratford, whilst more deprived, run-down maisonnettes and terraced housing remains in the north

endogenous factors of Stratford

TOPOGRAPHY - flat land, located on a flood plain. Average topography is around 46ft above sea level

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY -River Lea flows near to the Olympic Village in the west and centre of Stratford. The area is mostly urbanised with some green areas

LAND USE - regeneration has changed the land use from derelict land to more retail and commercial facilities

INFRASTRUCTURE - significant, well served by bus and train routes. Roads are well connected, particularly linking Stratford to Central London

BUILT ENVIRONMENT - 2 shopping centres, offices, modern flats, train station, picture house cinema, Olympic Park, etc

DEMOGRAPHICS - ethnically diverse

ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS - rising house prices, increases in tourism to boost the economy both during and after the Olympic Games

exogenous factors of Stratford

MONEY/INVESTMENT - £9 million of public money was invested into the regeneration of East London

RESOURCES - people and materials brought into the area to undertake regeneration

IDEAS - regeneration schemes, culture and diversity from high levels of immigration

PEOPLE - higher tourist numbers due to available retail and commercial facilities, whilst greater job opportunities have brought workers into the area

history of Stratford

1820 - first dock was built in Stratford, acting as a fairly significant transport hub due to its position between London and eastern England 1839 - Stratford got its own railway station and, over time, a depot and works that built locomotives, coaches and goods wagons 1844 - the Metropolitan Building Act forced noxious industries to move outside of London and Stratford was the first place across the border in Essex, with good road and water connections into the city . Existing mills, distilleries and breweries were joined by engineering works, printers, ink and dye works, alongside every kind of processor or coal, oil, manure and animal bones mid-1800s - estimated 2,500 people working in the railway , leading to a need for more housing and an improved local infrastructure . A new town was built to accommodate railway workers, eventually becoming known as Stratford New Town 1860s - over 20,000 people living and working in the area 1900s - Stratford, like many areas of London, suffered significant de-industrialisation and high unemployment rates 1980s - closing of the London Doc ks because of increases in commercial shipping and containerisation (1950-1975 40,000 jobs lost) 1990s - railway works closed down 2006 - work began on the Olympic Park (11,000 people and 380 businesses had to relocate) 2011 - Westfield Stratford City opened 2012 - Newham was one of the 6 host boroughs for the 2012 Summer Olympics , with Stratford hosting many Olympic facilities

meaning and representation - interview quotes

(qualitative data)

"it no longer feels like "East End""

"with every shiny new bulding that's gone up, a little bit of the character that gave Stratford its appeal is disappearing"

"there is a terrible problem with social housing, with many people living in overcrowded accommodation"

"it feels as though the undesirables are being moved out to make way for the desirables"

"if you are on a low income then you won't stand a chance of buying your own home"

"today I can buy a cappuccio for £5"

"under all the hype there are still very real social problems that were here before the regeneration and still remain today that I feel are deliberately being swept under the carpet"

meaning and representation of Newham

INTERVIEWS - although regeneration projects have built green spaces to be enjoyed by children, there is a resultant lack of community of culture . House prices have risen extortionately , alongside prices of everyday items such as coffee . Therefore, l ocals seem to be more opposed to generation in Stratford because of the lack of benefits for themselves

POETRY - displaying how Newham is an area with high levels of knife and gun crime , particularly impacting on young people . Newham is portrayed negatively , as a area with high levels of crime and gang association from a young age

SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO - Newham is known as the "UK's debt capital" where 22.7% of residents can't pay their bills on time and a quarter face debt problems . The video portrays the levels of poverty within Newham that have not really changed despite the high levels of investment arising from the 2012 Olympic Games

FILM - Ill Manors portrays a negative media persepctive of Newham as a r undown and violent area, underpinned by crime . However, it also shows the Olympic Stadium and Park rising in the background, showing the hope for social change in the area

aims of Stratford regeneration

the London 2012 Legacy was a plan to make sure that the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games had long-term benefits. This legacy was to cover 4 main areas:

EECONOMIC - supporting new jobs and skills, encouraging trade, inward investment and tourism

SPORTS - continue elite success, development of more sports facilities and encouraging participation in sports in both school and wider scenarios

SOCIAL AND VOLUNTEERING - inspiring others to volunteer and encouraging social change

REGENERATION - reuse of venues, new homes, improved transportation in both East London and other locations across the UK

external agents of Stratford regeneration

OLYMPIC BOARD - oversight and co-ordination of the Games

GOVERNMENT OLYMPIC EXECUTIVE - a unit in the DCMs with oversight of the London 2012 project

OLYMPIC PARK REGENERATION STEERING GROUP - oversaw the regeneration legacy for East London and implementation of the Legacy Masterplan Framework

OLYMPIC DELIVERY AUTHORITY - responsibile for delivering the Games' infrastructure and venues

LONDON ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE OLYMPIC GAMES AND PARALYMPIC GAMES - organised the staging of the Games

LONDON DEVELOPMENT AGENCY - responsible for purchase of the Olympic Park and developing the legacy plans. This was succeeded by the Olympic Park Legacy Company

Pros of Stratford regeneration - SOCIAL

Athletes village relaunched as a housing estate for 8,000 people called the East Village, with 40% of homes being affordable

New school called Chobham Academy ( 1800 students enrolled) to reduce previous schooling pressures

Aquatics centre is now used by the community

Unemployment fell across London during the Olympic period

Cons of Stratford regeneration - SOCIAL

Question whether new housing will actually be affordable, particularly for Newham's poorest households

Very few jobs were actually created for local people

Many boroughs surrounding the Olympic Park remain in poverty

Social housing had to be demolished to make way for the site

Pros of Stratford regeneration - ECONOMIC

£17 billion invested in public transport , so Stratford is now the 2 nd most connected part of London

Revenue generated from selling Olympic venues

Estimated that the Olympics will generate £10 billion in extra income for the UK economy

Cons of Stratford regeneration - ECONOMIC

Olympic Stadium is estimated to have cost £701 million, 3 times the original estimate

Total bill was £8.8 billion of tax payers' money, 5 million over budget

Rents and property prices have resultantly risen

Pros of Stratford regeneration - ENVIRONMENTAL

New green spaces and wildlife habitats have been created

Improved water quality of the River Lea that runs through the Olympic Park

Urban wasteland of the Lower Lea Valley was cleaned up

Olympic Site was built on 560 acres of brownfield land , previously neglected, unused and contaminated

Cons of Stratford regeneration - ENVIRONMENTAL

Much wildlife had to be relocated (including 1 00 toads and 300 common lizards )

Many materials for the stadiums and the Olympic Park came from overseas

The Games produced 3.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide

WINNERS from Stratford regeneration

LOCAL GOVERNMENT - successful rebranding of Stratford seeks to increase tourism in the long-term . It is now East London's primary retail, cultural and leisure centre

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT - tourism revenues, reduced unemployment

PROPERTY DEVELOPERS - revenue made from selling their properties with rising house prices

LOCAL POPULATION - post-Games creation of 110,000 jobs, improved services/transport links , ability to use sports facilities and creation of green spaces

LOSERS from Stratford regeneration

LOCAL POPULATION - l ack of community , continued disruption from on-going development and tourism , lack of affordable housing as promised, rising house prices and continued deprivation in the area

Demographic characteristics of Newham

Popuation: around 330,000

Religion: 40% Christian, 32% Muslim

Ethnicity: 43% Asian/Asian British, 20% Black/Black  British, 17% White/White British

Sex: 52% males and 48% females

Largest age bracket: 30-39, then 20-29

Employment + Qualifications:   12.4% of usual residents with no qualifications,  5.7% unemployed

Economic characteristics of Newham

Unemployment rate of 10%

Largest sector is tertiary

17% of individuals work in wholesale and retail trade, 12% in accommodation and food service activities and 9% in education

Average house price of £355,000

35% owner occupied housing, 34% private rented and 30% social rented

Social characteristics of Newham

Around 28% of children live in l ow income families

One of the 20% most deprived districts in England

Was ranked the 25th most deprived local authority in England in the 2015 Index of Multiple Deprivation, in comparison to 2nd in 2010

49% very good health

2% very bad health

57% achieved 5+A*-C GCSEs including Maths and English

26% live by themselves

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AQA A Level Geography: Changing Places Case Study: Stratford (Meaning and representation)

Subject: Geography

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Other

Last updated

9 June 2022

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A detailed and comprehensive overview of the qualitative and quantitative ways in which Stratford (east London) is represented. This meets the specification point ‘3.2.2.2.2 Meaning and representation’ section of the AQA A Level Human course.

The following methods are covered in this document:

• Newspaper articles
• TV and film

This table can be used for revision or to provide ideas of suitable examples to explore with your class.

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