“The appointment of an excellent operator in GLL is another key
step in securing a sustainable future for these venues beyond the
Games.”
Richard Lewis, Sport England’s Chair
With 200 days to go until the start of
the London 2012 Games, a legacy operator for the Aquatics Centre,
which received £35 million of National Lottery funding from Sport
England, has been announced.
Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) will run the
centre, which will host the swimming and diving events at the
Games.
“The appointment of an excellent operator in GLL is another key
step in securing a sustainable future for these venues beyond the
Games,” said Richard Lewis, Sport England’s Chair. “We look
forward to working with the Legacy Company and GLL to help develop
their plans for community use, ensuring these world-class
facilities provide a lasting legacy of increased participation at
grassroots level, as well as hosting major events for many years to
come.”
With an anticipated 8,000 visitors a year, the
Aquatics Centre will be a thriving community asset open to all
where individuals, families, people with disabilities, school
children and the UK’s best sporting talent can all swim and train
under the same roof.
“We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to
manage the 2012 Aquatics Centre and Multi-Use Arena post-2012,”
said Mark Sesnan, Managing Director of London-based GLL. “Our
charitable social enterprise status, community values and
successful track record, demonstrate that GLL is committed to
opportunity for all, ensuring the Games offer a long-lasting
sporting legacy all Londoners can enjoy. We look forward to working
in partnership with the Legacy Company to deliver world-class
legacy facilities.”
Together with GLL and Olympic Park Legacy Company, Sport England
is also working with the Amateur Swimming Association, five London
boroughs and the University of East London to develop a strategy
and usage programme that allows swimmers and divers to progress
from recreation to international performance.
With moveable floors capable of reducing the depth for swimming
lessons, the two 50 meter pools and diving pool with provide a
legacy facility for local, regional and national
activities.