Speaking at a Foundation for Science and Technology debate Armitt claimed that legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was being delivered now.

 

The first phase of legacy, led by the ODA, is focused on the creation of the Olympic Park and the delivery of the venues, new infrastructure and transport improvements for the community that will work and play in the area after 2012.

 

The second, led by the London Development Agency (LDA) working with the ODA and legacy partners, is focused on the development of the park after the Games, the future use of the venues and the wider economic and social regeneration of the area.

 

Armitt said: “Legacy was at the heart of the London 2012 bid and remains firmly at the heart of the project. 75 pence in every pound we are spending is being invested in long term regeneration of East London.

 

Armitt listed examples:

 

· Making good progress cleaning and cleaning a previously neglected, contaminated and disconnected area to create the largest new urban park in Europe for 150 years

 

· Starting work ahead of schedule constructing world class sports venues for both the Games and community and elite use in legacy

 

· Starting work building over 30 permanent bridges and 20km of roads as well as improving transport links to create one of the best connected parts of the Capital

 

· Installing a new energy and infrastructure network and cleaning and improving access to the waterways

 

· Preparing to switch to new underground power cables so that later this year we can remove the electricity pylons that have been a historical barrier to the regeneration of the area

 

· Providing training, employment and career development to local and previously unemployed people as well as opportunities for local businesses to win 2012 work.

 

Armitt said: “We are working closely with the LDA as they carry out widespread consultation with the communities that surround the Olympic Park, businesses and individuals about the long-term use of the Park and venues after the games as well as the development of the land around the park.

 

"This will result in the LDA submitting an outline planning application for the park in legacy within a wider regeneration strategy.

 

“The investment in the regeneration of this area is not coming just from the public sector.

 

"Last week Westfield announced the green light on the £1.5 billion Stratford City retail-led development adjacent to the Olympic Park which underlines how the Games are a catalyst for change in the area.”