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Olympics Development Manager.

1. When does London 2012 begin?

The London 2012 Olympics start on the 27 July 2012 and Conclude on 12 August 2012, there will be a short break and then the London 2012 Paralympics will take place starting on the 29th August and culminate on the 9th September.

2. Where does it take place?

The majority of activity will take place in the Olympic Park in nearby Stratford, with venues such as the Stadium, the Aquatics Centre and the Velodrome seeing a large proportion of the activity. However a range of other venues will host competitions across London and the rest of the UK.

3. Can I visit the Olympic Park?

The Olympic Development Agency, or the ODA as they are also known, run free bus tours of the site, however the tours are popular and can be booked up to three months in advance by calling the booking line on 0300 2012 001.

If you are simply interested in having a look at the progress of the park from a far then you can visit the View Tube a social enterprise and community venue located on The Greenway adjacent to the Olympic Park.

The land on which the View Tube is situated offers a good view of the Olympic Park with public maps for information about the view. The View Tube is open Monday - Sunday 09.00 - 17.00, but cafe may vary opening hours according to daylight and weather. To find the View Tube take the DLR to Pudding Mill Lane and follow the signs. It is a 10 -minute walk from the station.

4. How is it being paid for?

The money needed to host the games is being raised by LOCOG through private sponsorship, tickets sales and the sale of 2012 merchandise. But to meet the costs of the infrastructure needed to put on the games such as the building of the venues and improved transport the Mayor and the Government have agreed a public funding package of up to £2.375 billion, including money from the lottery and contributions from the London Council Tax, which will cost the average London household £20 a year - 38p a week.

5. Is anything being hosted in Redbridge?

Redbridge Cycle Centre built by the London Development Agency with a £4.5Million investment will be used as a games time training venue, as will a new £6 million sports hall being built at Redbridge Sports Centre accommodating badminton, goal ball, wrestling and judo. As well as our venues being used for sport, we are also developing a cultural programme, which will help residents young and old to celebrate the 2012 games being in London. This will include planned activities around the London 2012 torch visiting the borough in the days leading up to the opening ceremony.

6. What benefits will it bring to Redbridge?

As the closest neighbour to the 5 host boroughs Redbridge is in a prime location to benefit from the opportunities that the games present. Our fantastic transport links make the borough a great place to be based during the games and will encourage visitors and residents alike to enjoy our range of outdoor spaces, shopping districts and wider cultural offer as part of their summer of 2012 experience.

We hope this will have a positive effect on local business and raise the profile of Redbridge as a tourism destination. But equally we also believe that the 2012 games are a once in a lifetime opportunity to inspire residents to challenge themselves and make a positive contribution to their community.

In particular we want the games to inspire our young people to lead healthier and more active lives, to better their life chances by volunteering and being active in their communities. London 2012 is an opportunity for residents to welcome the world and show everyone just what a great place to live London, and Redbridge is.

7. Has the Council put money directly into the Olympics?

There has been no significant council budget put into 2012 other than officer time, including the work of the Olympic Development Manager who coordinates 2012 work across council departments. Much of the 2012 activity, which has taken place in the borough, has been paid for through existing resources, where regularly delivered projects have taken on a 2012 theme.

A number of specific 2012 projects have happened as a result of additional funding made available through external funders and partnerships, like the “Collecting 2012” and “Stories of the World” projects by Redbridge Museum in partnership with MLA Renaissance.

8. How can I get tickets?

Tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics Games have now sold out.
Tickets may be available from the Olympic resale website.

9. Free events

There will also be a number of free events such as the Road Cycling, Triathlon and Marathon where spectators can line the route.

LOCOG and the GLA have recently announced there will be 125,000 tickets available to schools in London. This is to ensure that 1 in 8 young Londoners between the ages of 10 and 18 are able to see the Games. The distribution process has not yet been confirmed, however it will be for schools that are members of the Get Set Network.

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