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London "can learn a lot from Manchester"

10/05/2006

Paul Deighton, chief executive of the London Olympic Games Organising Committee (LOCOG), has said he "can learn a lot from Manchester" on a visit to the east side of the city.

Mr Deighton walked around Sportcity in an effort to understand how Manchester hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2002, but also to gain an insight into the enduring benefits of staging a large sporting event.

New East Manchester chief executive Tom Russell, who accompanied Mr Deighton, spoke of the "physical regeneration" that is raising the area's profile, but also the creation of around 3,000 jobs.

Mr Deighton said: "Had Manchester not put on such a spectacularly successful Commonwealth Games in 2002, the UK would not have got itself back on the map to win the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012. We owe Manchester everything in that respect.

"There are many lessons we can learn about staging a multi-sport event and the legacy it leaves behind for many years afterwards."

According to Commonwealth Games Legacy, east Manchester is expected to secure at least £2 billion in funding over the next 15 years.

The ongoing development of the area, such as a four star hotel, a business park and new housing schemes, is expected to generate thousands of jobs as well as increasing Manchester's international profile.


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