Stadium 'could be white elephant'

The stadium will become a 25,000 capacity venue after the Games

The 2012 Olympic Stadium is in danger of becoming a "white elephant", a London Assembly committee has claimed.

The stadium was designed to be reduced in capacity after the Games when it will be available for educational, cultural and community use.

But the London Assembly's Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee (EDCST) said there were concerns about its long-term future.

It said a tenant for the stadium was needed to ensure a legacy for the area.

The EDCST also said London mayor Boris Johnson's Legacy Plan for Sport did not fully address gaps in the provision of sports facilities - particularly for young people with disabilities.

Without decisive action the stadium is in danger of becoming a white elephant

London Assembly

A spokesman for Mr Johnson said steps had already been taken to "up London's game" in getting more people involved in sport.

Dee Doocey, Lib Dem London Assembly member, said: "I have no doubt at all that the Olympic Delivery Authorities are going to put on a spectacular Paralympics.

"My concern is the wider problem of people with disabilities who in my view are disgracefully neglected."

The stadium in Stratford, east London, is to be shrunk from an 80,000-seat venue to a 25,000 capacity venue after the Games.

In its report - Toward a Lasting Legacy - the EDCST committee argues: "Without a credible anchor tenant to bring regular foot-fall into the park there will be serious doubts as to the future financial viability of the venue and hence attractiveness of the park site to business investment.

'Effective leadership'

"Lord Coe (London 2012 chairman) has consistently supported keeping the stadium with an athletic track.

"However, it is far from clear that such a sporting venue will be able to host events that regularly attract the hundreds and thousands of spectators required in order for it to be financially viable.

"Without decisive action the stadium is in danger of becoming a white elephant."

One of the main goals of the new Olympic Park Legacy Company is to pull private sector money into the Olympic site and help ensure that it produces long-term benefits.

Baroness Ford, who will be chairwoman of the new company, wants to revisit the stadium capacity issue.

The mayor's spokesman added: "We welcome the support the report gives to the very substantial legacy achievements already delivered and will carefully consider its recommendations for making even more progress.

"The mayor is confident that the new Olympic Park Legacy Company chaired by Margaret Ford will provide effective leadership in delivering a fantastic future for the Olympic Park and the sporting venues after the Games."