2012 Summer Olympics

Olympic Park, London

The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will use a mixture of new venues, existing and historic facilities, and temporary facilities, some of them in well-known locations such as Hyde Park and Horse Guards Parade. Some of the new facilities will be reused in their Olympic form, while others will be resized or relocated.

The majority of venues have been divided into three zones within Greater London: the Olympic Zone, the River Zone and the Central Zone. In addition to these are those venues that, by necessity, are outside the boundaries of Greater London, such as the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, which will host the sailing events, some 125 miles (200 km) southwest of London. The football tournament will be staged at several grounds around the UK. Work began on the Park in December 2006, when a sports hall in Eton Manor was pulled down. The athletes' village in Portland was completed in September 2011.

In November 2004 the 500-acre Olympic Park plans were revealed. The plans for the site were approved in September 2004 by Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney and Waltham Forest. The redevelopment of the area to build the Olympic Park required compulsory purchase orders of property. The London Development Agency was in dispute with London and Continental Railways about the orders in November 2005. The LCR accused the LDA of killing off development in the area. The LDA planned to buy land alongside the Olympic Park for the Stratford City development project, bringing the 180-acre site of the former Stratford Rail Lands into a mixed-use development, including 4,500 new homes, office space, hotels and shops. This resulted in 2011 with the completion of the largest urban shopping centre in Europe being operated by Westfield. By May 2006, 86% of the land had been bought as businesses fought eviction; this led to an enquiry being set up. 206 companies had to relocate by July 2007. In addition, residents who opposed the eviction tried to find way to stop it by setting up campaigns. However they had to leave as 94% of land was bought and the other 6% bought as a £9 billion regeneration project started.

                                     

                                                     Aerial view of the Olympic Park in April 2012

 

Inside Olympic Park

Landmark London Hotel

Initially established in 1899, this awarded-winning hotel was once served as a convalescent home during World War II as well as the headquarters of the British Railways Board. Later in 1995, the hotel is reopened as the Landmark hotel. Guest will find the hotel is conveniently located with main tourist attractions including Madame Tussauds, Soho Buckingham Palace and the London Eye are within a short reach from the hotel. Ideally situated in the heart of London, the 5-star hotel features the Winter Garden with its glass all-weather atrium enclosing towering palms and exotic flowers, a highly civilized venue for champagne brunch and Devonshire tea. With a prime location, Landmark Hotel is sure a favorite for travelers who want an ideal base to explore the sights of London.


Location: Mayfair and Marylebone

Athenaeum Hotel

Close to Hyde Park, the Edwardian-style Athenaeum Hotel offers high degrees of romance and class. Within walking distance of high-end shops and Buckingham Palace, the Athenaeum Hotel is well positioned to experience both the big tourist sites and the subdued aura of London's bourgeoisie. A five-minute walk from Green Park tube station and directly opposite St James's Park, Buckingham Palace is just across the park and the fancy cakes and teas of Fortnum & Mason are a few minutes' walk up the road. Tourists of London will appreciate the convenience of the tube and proximity to Marks & Spencer, while lovers can stroll around to Shepherd Market's restaurants or hire decks chairs and watch the flow of pedestrians through St James's Park.


Location: Mayfair and Marylebone