As readers may already know (because I have plugged it a few times before), I was the only Conservative candidate at the 2005 General Election to oppose London’s bid for the Olympic Games. Since we were successful in the bid, I have maintained I really want it to be a success. I have also maintained throughout – in agreement with the biggest advocates at the time of the bid – the Olympics should be judged on Legacy. This could manifest itself in terms of more people participating in sport but there is also the question of facilities and what happens afterwards – just look at most Cities that have hosted the games to see where things have fallen down before.
I listed to an interesting interview on TalkSport this morning with one of the new owners of West Ham, David Gold. A great interview and I would be very optimistic were I a hammers fan as Messrs Gold & Sullivan had such a great record at Birmingham. But one of the things that stood out was the ambition to take the Olympic stadium, maintaining the 80,000 capacity with the clear aim of becoming ‘The Peoples Club’ and charging a quid for kids and £3 for OAPs. It sounds very exciting and I will watch this with interest.
My view remains that the best way to deliver on legacy in relation to the Olympic Stadium is through football. I will watch this one with interest. Wonder what the West Ham supporter, and my favourite blogger, Iain Dale, thinks?
Tags: 2012 Olympics, David Gold, Iain Dale, TalkSport, West Ham
Bowen's blog 
January 19, 2010 at 11:38 am
It’s a shame that there isn’t as much intrest in the Feltham Arena , i seem to remember a Hounslow Councillor ( name not remembered ) stating that with the Olympics coming to London , that Feltham Arena would become part of the training facilities , well at the moment the only training facilities on offer are swimming in 2ft of water , or the slalom round the poor old Heron’s standing on one leg looking for the non-existant fish !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, perhaps its time to get the Daily Mail involved ????.
January 19, 2010 at 2:34 pm
I have commented about the Arena a number of times, the previous comment not long before Christmas. As disappointed as I am with the progress, I do not believe that this is down to a lack of interest.
I too recall comment from an ex-Labour Councillor about it becoming an Olympic site/facility/training ground. I have no recollection of anything similar coming from any other quarter ie. no organisation expressed such an interest.
Your posting has prompted me to ask for an update. Best Wishes for 2010!