Young Londoners visit Legacy Company’s new Stratford office
Date: 2 November 2009
Young people from east London were among the first to tour the new Stratford office of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) on Wednesday when they presented their legacy manifesto.
They were from the Legacy Now Youth Panel which comprises of 25 teenagers from the host boroughs with an interest in planning and design. The Panel offers a unique voice for young people into planning what can be built on the Olympic site after the 2012 Games.
They have spent the past year working with masterplanners Allies and Morrison, EDAW and KCAP, as well as encouraging other young people to get involved through their, presentations, visits and social networks.
Their work has culminated in a manifesto which was presented to OPLC Chief Executive Andrew Altman (see notes to editors). The newly formed company is responsible for the development and management of the Olympic Park site, including the venues, over a 25 year period after the 2012 Games have finished.
Led by Andrew Altman and Chaired by Baroness Margaret Ford, the OPLC moved into the new premises earlier this month. The new office is based in the heart of the community at East Thames House in West Ham Lane, Stratford.
The 100,000 sq ft building opened last year as the headquarters of the East Thames Group. OPLC occupies the top floor while the reception area is a shared community space in the form of a public café and local arts exhibition.
Andrew Altman, Chief Executive of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, said:
"We are delighted to be on the doorstep of the Olympic site and in the heart of one the communities we will be working so hard to serve. Seeing the site being developed from our window is truly inspiring. We are focused on creating a new centre of London after the Games that will be one of the best places to live, work and play anywhere in the world.
"Listening and working closely with people living around the site is crucial in creating a lasting legacy for generations to come. The Youth Panel is an important part of that as they will be the first generation to experience the changes that the 2012 Games will bring."
The Legacy Now Youth Panel have been working with Fundamental Architectural Inclusion, an architecture centre based in east London, to develop their ideas. The Panel members will help with the selection and mentoring of a new Legacy Now Youth Panel to be appointed in December this year.
Sara Gadim, 15, Youth Panel member from Greenwich and attending Crown Woods School, said
"We've given our opinions and they've been listened to. The legacy plans are an important thing to be part of and it’s great to be involved."
Eduardo Dacosta, 17, Youth Panel member from Newham attending St. Angela's and St. Bonaventure’s Sixth Form, Forest Gate, said:
"The Legacy Now Youth Panel is one of the best things I've done in ages and it has opened my eyes to the world. Architecture isn't just for architects, it’s for everyone!"
Andre Dias, 18, Youth Panel member from Hackney attending Hackney College, said:
"Being in the Legacy Now Youth Panel has been great. It has boosted my confidence and helped me work in groups and with people I didn't know before."
Juhell Amin, 16, Youth Panel member from Tower Hamlets, George Green Sixth Form in Tower Hamlets, said:
"The Legacy Now Youth Panel has broadened the horizons for so many of us. It has been a great experience. Thank to all those who gave us the opportunity."
- Ends -
For further information contact:
Andreas Christophorou at the OPLC Media Team on 020 3288 1795,
email andreaschristophorou@legacycompany.co.uk or
Sarita Bhatia on 020 3288 1796, email saritabhatia@legacycompany.co.uk
Notes for editors:
- The London Development Agency (LDA), working with Stratford based Fundamental Architectural Inclusion and the five host boroughs, set up the panel. This work is being taken forward by the OPLC and Fundamental.
- The Olympic Park Legacy Company was established in May 2009 with three founders: the Mayor of London, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and the Minister for the Olympics.
- Baroness Margaret Ford has been appointed as OPLC's Chair and Andrew Altman as the Chief Executive.
- The Legacy Now Youth Panel manifesto has been handed to OPLC and will be used to develop the designs for the post-2012 Olympic Park site.
- The Legacy Now Youth Panel manifesto is:
- Public spaces and buildings create communities where people enjoy living and working together. Conflict and tension are a thing of the past.
- Young people socialise and participate in a range of activities in high quality spaces. We are inspired to learn and achieve together.
- People feel safe and relaxed, help is on hand when you need it and no-one feels excluded.
- Public facilities and activities within the community are accessible, available and affordable for all. The open spaces and built environment are for everyone.
- Everyone can learn and develop. There are excellent schools and a variety of jobs and opportunities.
- Getting around is easy; there are lots of options for transport. Travel is affordable, safe and environmentally-friendly.
- As a community we own, respect and enjoy this area. We are involved in planning and developing our environment with expert planners and architects.
