Case study urban regeneration Olympic Park, London

Question 1

Olympic Park, East Village location

Answer 1

Stratford, Lower Lea Valley, Newham borough, East London

Question 2

Characteristics of Stratford, Newham

Answer 2

one of most poor and deprived parts of London, low income housing, poor service provision, derelict housing and polluted waterways

Question 3

Why Lower Lea Valley in need of regeneration?

Answer 3

1. derelict: abandoned low value land uses such as warehousing and storage
2. deprived: would benefit hugely from legacy of Olympics 2012
3. accessible: from London, potential transport hub for rail and bus networks connecting Europe

Question 4

What were the features of the Olympic Park regeneration?

Answer 4

1. land purchased by Olympic Delivery Authority
2. land decontaminated from polluting industries
3. pylons buried underground to improve appearance
4. bridges built over waterways to improve access
5. landscaping to improve attractiveness and natural habitats

Question 5

How has the Olympic Park changed?

Answer 5

1. excellent modern sports arenas for local use e.g Aquatics Centre and West Ham stadium
2. landscaped park with tourist attractions
3. East Village now 2800 affordable homes for local people
4. Improved aquatic waterway with footpaths and cycleways
5. Employment opportunities: Here East media centre 5000 jobs, International Quarter offices for 25000 people

Question 6

What environmental improvements have taken place?

Answer 6

1. Clearance of derelict, polluted and overgrown sites
2. Improved aquatic waterway with natural habitats
3. Pylons buried to improve attractiveness

Question 7

What social and economic changes have taken place?

Answer 7

1. £9.3 billion spent to regenerate area for local people
2. 2800 new affordable homes, in well connected communities
   27 hectares of open space for recreation
3. New schools, recreation facilities and transport networks make East Village a thriving community
4. Independent shops and cafes and businesses provide new jobs.