UK Sport to make initial assessment on Northern Olympic Games for 2040s
It comes after the 11 Northern mayors and political leaders in The Great North group wrote to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy putting the region forward, as the International Olympic Committee indicated it would prefer a multi-city event going forward.
UK Sport will carry out an initial strategic assessment as to whether the North of England could host the Olympic Games in the 2040s, with Rachel Reeves saying the Government is throwing its “full support behind” the plan.
The arms-length body will examine whether Northern cities could host the Games for the first time since London 2012, assessing the potential cost, socioeconomic benefits and the bid’s chance of success.
They pointed to the region’s track record of hosting global events, from the Manchester Commonwealth Games, to large-scale major culture events, including Hull UK City of Culture in 2017 and Bradford in 2025.
It is hoped that the regeneration seen in east London following the 2012 Games could be replicated across the North.
Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor Luke Campbell, who won gold in the bantamweight boxing at the London 2012 Olympics, said: “Bringing the Olympics to the North isn’t just about sport.
“It’s about giving our kids something to aim for, creating real opportunities and showing the world what this part of the country has to offer.”
Now it appears as if the Government is firmly getting behind the mayors’ prospective bid.
Ms Nandy, the Wigan MP, said: “London 2012 showed what the Olympics can do for our country. It inspired a generation through sport, attracted huge investment and showed the best of Britain to the world.
“But while the North of England has driven so much sporting excellence, no matter the talent we produce, the sporting moments we create, and the world-class events we attract - for too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the North.
“Not any more. It’s time the Olympics came North and we showed what we can offer to the world.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that we’re starting the firing gun on a long overdue vote of confidence in the North.”
While Ms Reeves, the Chancellor and MP for Leeds West and Pudsey, added: “Britain’s sporting prowess is recognised and respected around the world.
“It’s something we are determined to capitalise on to breathe life into our communities and build a stronger and more secure economy.
“That’s why we’re throwing our full support behind bringing the Games back home which will boost our Northern Growth Corridor.”
By the 2040s, multiple stadiums across the North, including Leeds United’s Elland Road, will have been redeveloped, while the transport infrastructure should be significantly improved, with Northern Powerhouse Rail.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “It’s right the government is now taking a serious look at whether a future Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North could become a reality. It’s an important first step in recognising the strength and ambition that exists across our whole country.
“I’m not simply backing the plan for a Northern Olympics because South Yorkshire has a long, proud and indelible sporting heritage that we want to recognise and show-off to the world, but because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to demand huge, transformational investment across the whole of the North.”
Chair of the Great North North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “A Great North Olympics would be a global showcase, leaving a legacy of prosperity, unity and renewal.
“It’s an opportunity not to be missed, delivering transformational investment in transport, regeneration and public spaces across the North of England.
“This could become the most people-powered Games ever hosted: inspiring millions of people into sport, volunteering and community action.”