DCMS Select Committee Inquiry

The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee met for its annual session on the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games. Members heard from the following witnesses: Lord Coe, Chairman, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), Paul Deighton, Chief Executive, LOCOG, John Armitt CBE, Chairman, Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), and David Higgins, Chief Executive, ODA.

During the evidence session the witnesses gave the committee an update on the preparations for London 2012 and covered various elements of the games such as ticketing, budgeting, volunteering and legacy. Of interest were the questions on the future use of the stadium - the committee were told that this was the responsibility of the Olympic Park Legacy Company and that the stadium had been designed to be flexible so that it could be used either specifically for athletics or for multi-purpose sport. Lord Coe also commented that there was no obstacle to the use of Woolwich for the shooting, subject to planning approval - the international federation had approved this venue, which had met all safety requirements. 

The role of the Olympic Park Legacy Company was also discussed. It was reiterated that 75p of every £1 spent on the project would be for long-term infrastructure. The witnesses were asked when the public would have free access to the Olympic Park – the committee were informed that the velodrome was likely to available for public use quite quickly, while the aquatic centre would need further development after the Games.

As part of this ongoing inquiry the Committee has issued a call for evidence on the Olympic Legacy. Sport England will submit a written response on the progress towards meeting targets to increase grass roots participation in sport - the deadline for evidence is 11 January.