Tom Russell outlines new Olympic Legacy Directorate at Developers' Forum

The London Development Agency's new head of Olympic Legacy will today outline how the LDA will continue to deliver social, economic and physical benefits linked to the 2012 Games.

Tom Russell will address key figures in London's property and regeneration sector at the Developers' Forum in Liverpool Street in his first public function.

A key focus will be the LDA's role as the legacy client for the Olympic Park which includes securing tenancies and the long term use of the five permanent Olympic venues. Next week the LDA will announce the appointment of the masterplanners for the Olympic site who will work with partners including the five host boroughs to develop a new place in London after the 2012 Games.

This is on top of the LDA's other work in delivering legacy opportunities for Londoners now - boosted by the launch of two high profile programmes earlier this month:

• The Get Set London 2012 Roadshow which will visit every London borough by April.
• CompeteFor – a 'dating agency' for buyers and suppliers where businesses can register for Olympic contracts.

Mr Russell, who was previously Chief Executive of New East Manchester Urban Regeneration Company and Deputy Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said:

"I am delighted by how well prepared the LDA is for the huge challenge ahead. This month we have already launched the Get Set 2012 Roadshow and CompeteFor - two crucial programmes in securing Olympic opportunities for Londoners.

"Although physical legacy work is already well underway, it will really gather speed with the appointment of the masterplanners. We will ensure that the right structure is in place to deliver a lasting legacy across the Olympic Park."

Next month, the LDA will hold a legacy launch event for stakeholders including community groups to introduce the new masterplanning team.

The new Olympic Legacy Directorate, led by Tom Russell, brings together the existing Olympic Land and Olympic Opportunity teams to maximise the benefits of the 2012 Games both now and in planning the largest regeneration opportunity in London.

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For media enquiries, please contact Andreas Christophorou at the LDA Media Team on 020 7593 8444; for public enquiries, please call 020 7593 9000.

Notes to Editors

• The London Development Agency works to improve quality of life for all Londoners and drive sustainable economic growth.
• The LDA is the majority landowner of the Olympic Park and is leading on plans and designs for the site after the Games. The masterplan will form the basis of an outline planning application in 2009 which will provide the context for the development of a whole new place in London.
• The LDA is delivering on Olympic legacy now. This work includes helping Londoners access skills, job and businesses opportunities through projects such as the Opportunities Fund, Personal Best and CompeteFor. The LDA has also developed of three state of the art business parks in Beckton, Leyton and Enfield for businesses relocating from the Olympic site.
• The Developers' Forum is aimed at senior representatives from London's property sector and those who have a vested interest in London's regeneration and development. The aim of the forum is to achieve greater strategic alignment and a more open dialogue.
• 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.
• 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.