London

Redeveloping London’s Olympic Park into a Hub for Culture and Education

CitiesLondonRedeveloping London's Olympic Park into a Hub for Culture and Education

Bloomberg Associates is working with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) to help create and implement a strategic vision for the redevelopment of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, home to the 2012 Olympics.

My vision for East Bank is one where everyone, regardless of their background, can access world-class culture and education on their doorstep. East Bank is a fantastic collaboration of interdisciplinary work and world-class institutions that will drive forward growth and inspire more young Londoners to take up creative careers, transforming the communities of east London.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Relevant Expertise

Advance a Vibrant Arts and Creative Sector

Cultural Promotion
Public Art and Events
Space for the Arts

Improve Public Space and Neighborhoods

Long-Term Planning and Zoning

Modernize Municipal Systems and Processes

Private Partner and Sponsor Models

Spur Business and Industry Growth

Tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Attraction

Challenge

When London was chosen to host the 2012 Olympics, this section of East London was a natural site for redevelopment in service of the Games. After the Games ended, a strategic plan was needed to implement the long term vision for anchoring the neighboring areas with robust cultural and educational facilities, alongside housing and commercial investments. Working with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), Bloomberg Associates was enlisted by the Mayor to help shape and bring to life plans for the largest urban regeneration project in Europe.

Approach

Bloomberg Associates offered guidance on the project’s vision and mission, tenant and program selection, communication and collaboration with arts groups in the neighboring boroughs, strategy for a design competition for cultural and educational facilities at the park, and creation of a charitable organization for project fundraising. Following that phase, we helped guide strategic planning, governance and re-branding for what is now called “East Bank.”

Impact

Today, designs are complete and ground has been broken for an array of institutions and programs with expansive public missions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Sadlers Wells, the BBC, the London College of Fashion and the University of London. The perception of this part of the city has changed significantly and is continuing to evolve and thrive. Upon completion it will be one of London’s newest, cleanest and most sustainable communities. Rapid transit links, nine rail and tube lines, and the forthcoming Crossrail make it a key transportation hub.