Olympic Games boost for North East as Government explore bid

A commissioned initial strategic assessment into a potential bid for the 2040s, led by UK Sport, will examine whether the UK could host the Games again following the success of London 2012 and whether a northern bid could deliver major regeneration and economic growth.

The assessment will examine factors including potential costs, the socioeconomic benefits of hosting and the likelihood of a successful bid.

Ministers say the move is part of a wider effort to use major sporting events and facilities to boost local economies, strengthen communities and enhance the UK’s global appeal.

This comes after The Great North, a group of mayors and leaders across the North, have kicked off their campaign with a joint letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, calling on the Government to pledge to back any potential future bids being based in the north for “a fairer redistribution of major events across the country”.

In the letter, The Great North, which is chaired by North East mayor Kim McGuinness, also ask the Government to work with them and support proportionate feasibility and preparatory work.

Kim McGuinness says the North has the passion and the sporting pride to deliver a world-class Olympic and Paralympic Games (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Ms McGuinness said: “From our great cities and towns to our coastlines and countryside, the North has the venues, the passion and the sporting pride to deliver a world-class Olympic and Paralympic Games that showcases the very best of Great Britain to the world. 

  “A Great North Olympics would be a global showcase, leaving a legacy of prosperity, unity and renewal.

“It’s an opportunity not to be missed, delivering transformational investment in transport, regeneration and public spaces across the North of England. This could become the most people-powered Games ever hosted – inspiring millions of people into sport, volunteering and community action. 

“Mayors and leaders across the North have made the case to Government, and I’m delighted ministers and sporting bodies are now exploring how we could turn this ambition into a reality.

“We stand ready to work together to develop a credible, deliverable vision that can make the case to the International Olympic Committee.” 

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said London 2012 had demonstrated the transformative potential of the Olympics but that the North had long been overlooked as a potential host.

She added: “London 2012 showed what the Olympics can do for our country. It inspired a generation through sport, attracted huge investment and showed the best of Britain to the world.

Fireworks at Tower Bridge in central London to mark the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. (Image: PA)

“But while the North of England has driven so much sporting excellence, no matter the talent we produce, the sporting moments we create, and the world-class events we attract – for too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the North.

“Not any more. It’s time the Olympics came North and we showed what we can offer to the world. I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that we’re starting the firing gun on a long overdue vote of confidence in the North.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said sport could play a central role in boosting economic growth.

She said: “Britain’s sporting prowess is recognised and respected around the world. It’s something we are determined to capitalise on to breathe life into our communities and build a stronger and more secure economy.

“That’s why we’re throwing our full support behind bringing the Games back home which will boost our Northern Growth Corridor. It’s also why we’re backing stadium regeneration plans, like at Elland Road, to deliver new homes, business opportunities and public spaces in Leeds and beyond.”

The plans form part of a wider government push to use sport as a catalyst for regeneration in towns and cities.

A new Stadium Regeneration Accelerator programme will work with sporting bodies on priority sports infrastructure projects that could unlock housing, jobs, apprenticeships, transport improvements and community sports facilities.

The programme will not provide direct funding for stadium redevelopment but will seek to remove barriers to large scale development by working with sports organisations and investors.

Government departments including DCMS, HM Treasury, the Office for Investment and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government will collaborate with organisations such as the Premier League, the English Football League and the Women’s Super League.

Projects across England being considered include proposals in Greater Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool and London, with ministers saying they could help drive regeneration in surrounding areas.