Youth Panel present Legacy manifesto to Olympics Minster
Date: 7 December 2009
Teenagers from the host Olympic boroughs called for the creation of inclusive communities and employment opportunities in a legacy manifesto presented to Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell last week.
The Legacy Now Youth Panel’s manifesto also outlined strong transport links, youth activities, job and educational opportunities as being key to the area’s regeneration.
The Panel, which comprises of 25 teenagers from the five host boroughs, is run by the Olympic Park Legacy Company to offer young people a unique voice into planning what can be built on the Olympic site after the 2012 Games. They have been working alongside the Company’s masterplanners – EDAW, KCAP and Allies and Morrison - to review the latest design work.
The teenagers have also been visiting schools and community events to present their work and get other young people involved. The Olympics Minister is now planning to meet them again early next year for an update on progress.
Olympics Minister, Tessa Jowell, said:
"It is great to see the determination these young people have to make London 2012 work from them. They have shown real insight and creativity in identifying how the Games can help to improve the lives and futures of their community.
"The passion and enthusiasm the Legacy Now Youth Panel has shown for the Games are not only an inspiration but also a powerful reminder of why we bid to host London 2012 in the first place."
Andrew Altman, Chief Executive of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, said:
"The Legacy Now Youth Panel has been a groundbreaking approach to capturing the imagination of London’s youth. Ultimately it is going to be this generation who will benefit from the 25 year legacy development of the Olympic Park site, so it is vital we make every effort to involve them from the start."
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.
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."
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