The Telegraph reports that it will be confirmed Friday that London’s bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games will “definitely” be centred around the East End, although the suggestion had been criticized.
A committee headed by Barbara Cassani, head of the bid, and Josep Acebillo, the City Architect of Barcelona who played a major role in planning the 1992 Games, will decide which firm should draw up the master plan for the bid, which will show where the major venues such as the main stadium and Olympic Village will be located. The plan must be completed by January 2004, when the International Olympic Committee questionnaire must be completed.
Six consortiums are competing for the master plan contract.
A member of Cassani’s panel told the Telegraph “what people have to realize is that Stratford is just as near central London as Earl’s Court. All areas of London will be used but the centre of the London Olympics will be the East End”.
Meanwhile Cherie Blair, wife of Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair, made her debut as an ambassador of London 2012’s bid.
Earlier in the week Cherie Blair was in China where she met with key officials of Beijing 2008. Tony Blair said that the 2008 Games would be a “fascinating experience”.
