Back

One month to go! But what happens next?

  • 27 Jun 2012
LLDC Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - how the Park will look in 2014 (CGI)

The London 2012 Olympic Games open on 27 July - in one month's time. All eyes will be on Britain over the summer, yet there's much in store for the Olympic Park beyond the Games.

The London Legacy Development Corporation has unveiled its plans for the opening of the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The 18 months from October 2012 will see the Park transform from an Olympic site into a new piece of the city, in the heart of London’s East End. By spring 2014, the 560 acre Olympic Park will become an new visitor destination and community park unlike any other in the UK.

The new Park – which will begin to open its gates from July 2013 – will combine parklands and waterways, new neighbourhoods and world class sports and entertainment venues. It will draw on the unique character, energy and heritage of London’s East End and the best elements of London living, to create a new space for residents and visitors. The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced plans for the first large scale event to take place in the park next summer – a two day, world class festival of cycling.

As well as its collection of iconic venues, the Park will be defined by two distinct areas: the river valley in the north, and a 50 acre urban landscape in the south. The North Park – which will open first – will include a nature-themed community hub and playground, especially suitable for families with children, with plenty of opportunities for adventures in nature. The North Park’s ‘Multi-Use Arena’, a 7,500 capacity indoor entertainment venue, will host a range of community events, along with a yearly programme of high profile sports and concerts. The opening of the North Park will be celebrated with an event for local residents and visitors.

The South Plaza will sit between the Stadium, Aquatics Centre and the ArcelorMittal Orbit. Here visitors can stroll down a tree-lined promenade, which will connect flexible spaces that will be used for events and attractions including cultural programmes, pop up street food stalls and community events.

For more information contact:

About VisitBritain

  • VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, is responsible for inspiring the world to explore Britain and for developing the UK’s visitor economy.
  • Americans made 2.8 million visits to Britain in 2012 and spent $3.7 billion USD (£2.4 billion). The US remains in the top spot in terms of market value for inbound tourism and is one of the top three most important markets in terms of visitor numbers. 
  • Visitors traveling to Britain can find out more information from visitbritain.us plus purchase money and time saving local transport, sightseeing, attraction, theatre and tour tickets from visitbritainshop.us 
  • Follow us on Twitter @VisitBritain, Pinterest (VisitBritain) and Facebook: LoveUK & LoveUK Film & TV