Cabinet minister hails progress on 2012 legacy
The London 2012 legacy reached another milestone with all the affordable rental homes in East Village now occupied.
The achievement was hailed by the cabinet minister responsible for Olympic legacy, Sajid Javid, during a visit to the development, formerly the Olympic and Paralympic athletes’ village, where he met tenants who have recently moved into E20, one of London’s newest postcodes.
Since the London 2012 Games came to a close, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has transformed the athletes’ accommodation into 2,818 new homes for families, individuals, and sharers and today’s announcement means that all 675 affordable social rental flats are now occupied, through housing group Triathlon Homes. It has also developed 704 intermediate affordable homes to buy and rent, 95% of which are also fully occupied. In addition, 1,439 market-rate rental homes are owned and managed by Get Living London.
Commenting on the achievement, Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said:
“The transformation of the Athletes’ Village into East Village has been remarkable with only the last few remaining homes left to be sold and all the rental accommodation occupied. It is a fantastic regeneration success story from London 2012, forming a vibrant part of the capital for people to live, attracting businesses and creating jobs.”
The transformation work by the ODA has seen removal of temporary Games-time features, the installation of brand-new designer kitchens, fitting new carpets and hard floors, painting and plumbing, re-commissioning mechanical and electrical systems, and finishing new green spaces that are the final touches for the new community in east London.
In addition to the transformation of the homes in East Village the project has also seen the opening of both Chobham Academy, with places for 2,000 students, and the Sir Ludwig Guttmann Health and Wellbeing Centre to serve residents of East Village and the surrounding communities.
Sir John Armitt, Chairman of the ODA, said:
“The legacy of London 2012 has really come to life in East Village with families, couples and individuals all making their home in this new exciting part of London. We were determined to deliver homes of the highest quality for the new residents, reflecting the high standards that athletes and spectators experienced in so many aspects of London 2012. It’s great to see that all the affordable social rented accommodation has been filled, providing much needed homes in this part of London.”
Elliot Lipton, Director at Triathlon Homes, said:
“East Village is one of London’s biggest success stories in recent years. Thousands of brand-new affordable homes have been provided for Stratford and an entirely new community has been created.
“It’s incredibly satisfying to see new residents settled and happy in their new homes, and making the most of the acres of green space and world-class sporting facilities on their doorsteps. All the partners involved in East Village have dedicated huge amounts of time and resources to make sure it is a neighbourhood with a real heartbeat. Careful design that incorporates nature and gives residents plenty of opportunity to socialise, as well as a regular programme of community-wide events, has ensured that this is the case.”
Neil Young, Chief Executive of Get Living London, said:
“We are very proud of what has been accomplished so far at East Village and excited about what the future holds for London’s newest neighbourhood. In the two short years since the London 2012 Games we have watched the area transform into a thriving community; Get Living London recently welcomed our 1,000th resident and interest continues to grow in experiencing a new quality of private renting in this vibrant part of the capital.
“Looking forward, the arrival of over 30 local independent shops, cafes and restaurants within East Village, will only serve to bolster the sense of neighbourhood that is already so strong here. A full cultural events calendar for local residents in the coming months will also present ample opportunities for meeting new neighbours and making the most of all that East Village, E20 has to offer.”
The health and safety record in East Village and for the Olympic Park has set new standards, with no work-related fatalities. Sajid Javid met workers from East Village contractors, Carey's, and inspected a plaque to celebrate the achievements of the workforce and the safety record. Also pictured are Lawrence Waterman (ODA Head of Health and Safety, second left), Gerry Murphy (Chief Operating Officer), and Mike Cornelius, Director of Village and Commercial.