Last week, we revealed what top experts in the field of events legacy thought of the idea to bid for a 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the UK. Now, we’re showing you what more of them have to say, in the second of our two blogs.
I would plead with everyone involved to build a coherent, strong legacy program
“There was an enormous amount of skepticism about London 2012 because of the huge financial cost, but there has also been a massive regeneration of that part of London which has been sustained, which is fantastic. All the facilities that were built for the Olympics were thought through in legacy terms and have been sustained. Do I think it’s a good thing to do? Yes, I do. I’m not sure what price you put on national pride or unity. I’m not sure what price you put on giving young people a chance to see that people can make their dreams come true regardless of where they start in life. I know people may have had concerns about the expense of it, but I think 2012 proved that that this country loved the Olympic experience. We were uplifted as a nation, and our athletes performed brilliantly! I think 2040 would be a great opportunity to bring those same feelings back to our nation.
In terms of facilities, we should look for an area of regeneration where this kind of investment could change the lives of people in those communities. If we were to do it again, I would plead with everyone involved to build a coherent, strong legacy program two to three years ahead of the games. That way, when people are inspired by the games (which they will be!) and when those young people look for that opportunity, it’s there. In my view yes, we should bid to host it. I think it’s worthwhile, but we must build a coherent, well thought through legacy program that ensures we do translate inspiration into participation.”
Baroness Sue Campbell, former Chair of UK Sport and FA Director of Women’s Football
I think the time is right for a 2040 bid for a GB Olympics
“When funding is tight, should the UK be even thinking about investing in a major event like the Olympics? Birmingham 2022 showed that an event can have a vital levelling up effect on a place outside London. It’s no secret that Birmingham needed a boost, and the Commonwealth Games did that comprehensively – catalysing improvements in image, economic and social terms.
Are there legitimate questions over the major event model? Absolutely! The Commonwealth Games are examining this issue right now. There is no question that a 2040 Olympics would need to be delivered in a sustainable and socially responsible way, using existing facilities and probably a multi-city model. The UK is perfect for this – imagine an Olympics across Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff and London – all places that have hosted incredible major events.
The UK has a serious global reputation for sustainable and socially responsible events delivery. We can claim to be leading the world on this, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games set new global benchmarks in this area, measuring and generating £300m in social value, and all eyes will be on Paris to see where they can push this next. For all these reasons I think the time is right for a 2040 bid for a GB Olympics, 28 years after London.”
Nicola Turner, CEO, United by 2022
Conversation around this topic must be sensitive to the cost-of-living crisis
“Discussing the idea of a UK bid for the 2040 Olympic and Paralympic Games is timely, considering we are in an Olympic year and experiencing significant political changes. On one hand, you could argue that now is the right time to start planning such an event. However, we must exercise caution given the current economic situation and the strain on public spending. The conversation around this topic must be sensitive to the cost of living crisis and the government’s understanding of the public deficit.
If a bid were to happen, it would be essential to look at the changes in the International Olympic Committee’s bidding process and the new norms. Reflecting on what the UK has learned from hosting events like London 2012, alongside observing Brisbane 2032’s initiatives with a long lead time, could offer valuable insights. Despite our current economic challenges, planning for 2040 now would provide ample time for all partners to consider who will benefit at the host city, regional, national, and international levels. Brisbane’s plans show promising ways to use the event as an enabler for significant societal impacts and outcomes. Such long-term planning could embed beneficial outcomes from the very start.”
Verity Postlethwaite, Vice-Chancellor Independent Research Fellow, Loughborough University
The UK is in a fantastic position to host an Olympic Games again
As Paris showed the world how to stage an exceptional Olympic Games, thoughts turned to a potential 2024 bid for London. Spirit of 2012 would fully support another bid and whilst we absolutely thought 2012 showed London and the UK at its best there is space to think about how it could be done differently.
We would like to see a Games hosted pan-UK using the existing infrastructure from London, the two Commonwealth Games and other sporting events as part of the long-term vision for the whole of the UK. We want to see the host communities given agency over their legacy plans supported by long term funding – it needs to be a 20-year legacy project – 10 before and 10 after – and a plan to make the most of the 2040 Gamesmakers. The UK is in a fantastic position to host an Olympic Games again and maximise the legacy from all we have learnt over the last 12 years.
Jane, Lady Gibson OBE, Chair, Spirit of 2012
Over to you – what do you think? Let us know on social media. #UK2040Games