But with no other National Olympic Committees (NOCs) confirmed as guests since the British Olympic Association's (BOA) announcement last July that Team GB House would be based at Westfield, there are concerns that other interested parties may be leaving things uncomfortably late.

Myf Ryan, marketing director for Westfield, told insidethegames that negotiations were in train with "a whole raft" of other NOCs interested in joining the Brits – including the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) – in the prime location of the One Stratford Place office development within the main complex, which is right next to the Olympic Park.

But she added: "People now need to pick up speed as we are pretty much down to the wire in terms of the Games."

Asked if Westfield was concerned that some NOCs may be in danger of missing the boat, she responded: "There is a need for some pretty swift decisions.

"But we are maintaining conversations with a number of NOCs who are looking at that space with a view to making sure they get what they need.

"They obviously know of all the benefits that are on offer from being here – including being five minutes away from the Olympic Park.

"It's also hugely important that other NOCs can see Team GB is already committed to being here."


On the subject of negotiations with the AOC, Ryan pointed out that, as an Australian company, Westfield had established numerous sporting relationships at events such as the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

While the offices on offer to NOCs are at the far side of the complex from the Olympic Park, close to the main operations centre of the site, the hospitality suites at the other end offer panoramic views over the nearby Aquatics Centre and Olympic Stadium.

Several of the big names are now engaged in building their own temporary structures for the Games on rooftop locations.

"We have sold a pretty good proportion of our corporate hospitality spaces," Ryan said.

"Some have gone to sponsors, but non-sponsors have also taken advantage of the outstanding vantage points over the Olympic Park.

"The pricing structure is similar to a standard hotel, in that the higher you are, the more you pay.

"Our clients include Cisco, Deloitte, Sky and adidas.

"And the majority of our clients will be staying on for the Paralympics."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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