APRIL MAY | COVER FEATURE
A decade on from hosting the London 2012 Olympics , Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park remains a hive of activity . Access investigates the impressive range of venue spaces , and major events and initiatives planned at the 560-acre site this year
Words : Christopher Barrett / Joe Gallop
I n 2012 the eyes of the world fell on Stratford East London , when an audience of around 900 million people watched Danny Boyle ’ s spectacular opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics .
Previously an area that had experienced sharp economic decline following the closure of the London Docks in the 1960s , Stratford was not synonymous with spectacular international events , but in the decade since Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park ( QEOP ) opened it has been at the heart of the area ’ s transformation .
From the 114.5m high ArcelorMittal Orbit – the UK ’ s tallest sculpture , to the verdant greenery of the parklands , the huge London Stadium ( cap . 80,000 ), the Copper Box Arena ( 7,500 ), the London Aquatics Centre with its wave-shaped roof , and the
Lee Valley VeloPark ; the site has become a hub of activity including everything from elite sport and huge outdoor events to family strolls in the park .
The site is managed by the London Legacy Development Corporation ( LLDC ), which was set up in 2012 to oversee the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics with the aim of ensuring that QEOP became a vibrant , sustainable area for Londoners .
Building momentum There is no doubt that the year ahead is going to be another busy one for the LLDC , but there are also major construction projects in the pipeline that are set to further transform the park and surrounding area in the years to come .
They include the building of a new 21,500 arena next to Stratford Station . In March , the LLDC approved the planning application ,
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