LDA names shortlist for Olympic legacy masterplan

The London Development Agency today announced a short list of three consortiums and three individual candidates for positions on its Olympic legacy masterplan team.

They were chosen from 34 submissions following a call for expressions of interest in August. The chosen team will create the physical framework for new homes, parkland, schools, health facilities, infrastructure and work space in the Lower Lea Valley for the largest regeneration opportunity in inner London.

The Olympic legacy masterplan will form the basis of an outline planning application in 2009 which will provide the context for the development of the Olympic Park post 2012.

The shortlist is:

• A consortium led by EDAW with Allies  Morrison, McDowell + Benedetti, Caruso St John, Haworth Tompkins, Maccreanor Lavington, Panter Hudspith, S333, Vogt, Camlin Lonsdale, Buro Happold, Faber Maunsell, Beyond Green, JMP, PMP, Vision XS, Nick Ritblat.
• A consortium led by Arup with Fletcher Priest Architects, West 8, RPS, Leaside Regeneration, Dialogue.
• A consortium led by Urban Practitioners with Maxwan, URS Townshend, L+R consulting.
• Kees Christiaanse Architects and Planners.
• Office for Metropolitan Architecture.
• Witherford Watson Mann.

Manny Lewis, Chief Executive of the London Development Agency (LDA), said:

"We are delighted by the high calibre of applications we received. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform east London and the quality of design is crucial to creating thriving and sustainable communities.

"By working closely with the ODA, the local boroughs and our partners we will ensure the designs complement plans to retain sporting venues and the wider regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley."

The shortlist was made by a panel comprising of the LDA, ODA and Design for London based on factors including the expertise and track record of applicants.

The candidates now have six weeks to set out their approach to the project, a vision for a successful Olympic Games legacy and their ability to deliver the Legacy Masterplan Framework.

The chosen team will liaise closely with those bodies including other partners and stakeholders such as the Greater London Authority, the five host Olympic boroughs, Transport for London, the Lea Valley Regional Park Authority and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation.

Last month, the LDA and ODA brought these partners together at a successful  'After the Games' legacy visioning event to discuss plans for the future of the Olympic Park and the surrounding areas post Games.

David Higgins, Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority, said:

"In legacy we aim to leave a brand new urban park, complete with world class elite and community sporting venues and land fit for the development of new homes and neighbourhoods. Together with the LDA we will be working in close partnership with the local boroughs to ensure local people continue to have their say. This is an opportunity to work with the LDA and local people and help drive the regeneration of this part of east London."

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For media enquiries, please contact Andreas Christophorou at the LDA Media Team on 020 7593 8444 or email achristophorou@lda.gov.uk.

Notes to Editors

1. The London Development Agency works to improve quality of life for all Londoners and drive sustainable economic growth.
2. The consultant team will include urban design and architecture, masterplanning, landscape design, town planning, transport planning, sports and leisure strategy development, equality impact assessors, social cultural and economic profiling and development, social infrastructure planning, community engagement, civil and structural engineering, environmental planning/engineering, sustainable design, leisure, culture and visitor management strategy.
3. The LDA is delivering on Olympic legacy now. This work includes the development of three state of the art business parks in Beckton, Leyton and Enfield for businesses relocating from the Olympic site, along with skills projects such as the Opportunities Fund, BOOST job brokerage service and Pre Volunteer Programme.
4. On July 2 the LDA took control of the Olympic site - an area equivalent to Hyde Park - following the acquisition of 2,200 land and property interests. The LDA has supported 193 businesses to move. Almost all have relocated to new premises securing 98% of the 4,750 jobs on site. The Agency has also supported 425 residents, 35 traveller families and 64 allotment holders to find new homes and premises nearby.
5. The Olympic site was handed over to the Olympic Delivery Authority at the end of July for demolition, remediation and construction of the stadium. It will come back into LDA control post Games to create the physical legacy.