North of England Olympic bid for 2040s being assessed

The UK government has tasked UK Sport with conducting an "initial strategic assessment" regarding a potential bid for the north of England to host the Olympics and Paralympics in the 2040s.

This assessment will examine the feasibility of staging the Games for the first time in the UK since the London 2012 Olympics, exploring various factors such as costs, socio-economic benefits, and the likelihood of a successful bid.

"For too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the north," stated Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in an interview with BBC Sport.

"Not anymore. It's time for the Olympics to come north, allowing us to showcase what we have to offer to the world."

Nandy emphasized confidence in the region's ability to deliver not only a competitive bid but also an exceptional Olympic experience. To initiate this process, phase one of the study will focus on assessing the necessary investment, resources, infrastructure, and transport requirements.

The outcome of UK Sport's assessment will determine whether there will be a progression to a more comprehensive "technical feasibility study." The final decision on any bid will rest with the British Olympic Association (BOA).

Background

In February, a coalition of northern political leaders urged the government to ensure that any future Olympic bid is anchored in their region, asserting that there exists a "compelling" case for it. They highlighted that the area possesses many of the foundational elements required to deliver a world-class Games, including elite sporting venues, significant stadia, and arenas.

This advocacy followed remarks by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, who expressed his desire for the Games to return to the capital.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness noted, "I'm pleased that ministers and sporting organizations are now examining how we can transform this ambition into a reality. We are prepared to collaborate to develop a credible, actionable vision that can appeal to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)."

According to a survey conducted the year following the London 2012 Olympics, more than two-thirds of the UK public believed that the £8.77 billion expenditure was justified, even though it was three times higher than the initial budget. The event is credited with contributing to the regeneration of east London and stimulating economic growth, although it did not achieve the anticipated increase in sporting participation.

"It was an extraordinary achievement for the country," remarked Nandy. "It attracted significant investment and unified the nation."

Sporting infrastructure

Manchester's previous attempts to host the Olympics in 1996 and 2000 were unsuccessful; however, the city successfully hosted the 2004 Commonwealth Games, utilizing the City of Manchester Stadium as the athletics venue. This stadium has since been repurposed into a football arena for Manchester City, now known as the Etihad Stadium, among numerous other prominent sports venues in the region.

Additionally, Manchester is home to the national velodrome and an aquatics center. There have been suggestions that Liverpool's Albert Dock and the River Mersey could serve as venues for sailing events, while the picturesque Lake District might be suitable for open-water swimming competitions.

Moreover, Manchester United has announced plans to prepare a new 100,000-seat stadium by 2035, and Leeds United is also aiming to enhance Elland Road.

Particular challenges

When queried about which stadium could serve as the focal point for any northern Olympic bid, Nandy responded, "The study will explore all potential sites necessary for our needs. There are specific challenges concerning some athletics facilities, but these are issues that any government should address irrespective, and an Olympic bid presents a unique opportunity to tackle those."

She acknowledged the existing financial climate, stating, "We aim to maximize the use of existing infrastructure." While noting that the north of England possesses commendable infrastructure, Nandy recognized the need for upgrades. She cited impressive developments like the new Everton stadium as examples of what can be achieved in the region.

To minimize costs and the necessity for new infrastructure spending, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has shown increased openness to multi-city or regional bids.

"We need to demonstrate to them that we can successfully host the Olympics in the north of England," asserted Nandy. "I firmly believe we can achieve this, and we are fully committed to making it a reality."