Urban Regeneration: Interactive Efficacy
Posted on November 20, 2009 by Yoon Kyung
The project of urban regeneration is not simply for the London 2012 Olympics. By holding Olympics, London will be transformed into a progressive city in terms of economical, environmental and cultural aspects. It means this project should not be seen as a temporary event and should be viewed in a wider perspective. Thus, the following suggestions can be considered for interactive efficacy.
1. The role of local community
In London Olympics, the role of local community will be fundamental for providing a cluster of supportive activities such as accommodation, tourism, security and information centre for tourists and athletes. The Olympic stadium is located in East London which is a multicultural and ethnically diverse neighborhood. It implies that the local community will be able to understand the cultural differences and to interact dynamically with the diverse visitors who will be in the city as part of the games. At the same time, the local economy also will benefit from the tourists and athletes.
2. Accommodation
As far as this aspect is concerned, the local community itself can offer appropriate residences for the visitors. Generally, one of the biggest problems during the Olympic season is accommodation. Even so, if the local community supplies more lodging options like bed and breakfast, Olympics budget can be saved by reducing the construction of more buildings.
3. Tourism
The most beneficial effect of Olympics in the economy will be the income from tourism. Especially since London is filled with cultural resources such as great monuments, places of historical significance and institutions of great cultural repute, the city will be a dream for any visitor. Since the Olympics is situated mainly in East London, it will help to highlight the cultural treasures of the area which may not otherwise figure in a tourist’s itinerary.
4. Security
Stratford is the place where the Olympic stadium and residences co exist. Since many tourists and athletes will be coming over to Stratford, security can be a major concern especially at night. Strengthening the security apparatus in the area will require the local community’s collaboration.
5. Information centre
Local people are the ones who can be the best guides to a particular area. From this point of view, the local people should be seen as active players to facilitate tourism by providing high quality services. This will also serve as at least a temporary solution to the unemployment problem in these areas.
6. The role of infrastructure
All the cities which have held Olympics games have greatly benefited from the infrastructural developments for the sports event. In the perspective of urban regeneration, residents of London should be seen as active participants in this development. The facilities which will be created for the Games will definitely be of advantage to the city and its residents in the longer run and it will add to the legacy of London.
7. Transportation
Transportation systems will evolve more actively around Stratford. However, urban regeneration should be designed as a long-term project. The spread of transportation networks around the city will help to connect different parts of the city in a more cohesive manner.
8. Environment
The current green area should be maintained while constructing more Olympic facilities. It will provide leisure space to tourists and athletes as well as local people. Also, if the green areas are destroyed, it will take decades to replace them.
9. The role of cultural space
East London will create new cultural spaces which will represent the region culturally during the Olympic event. Art galleries, monument, theatres and other similar places of cultural interest can definitely help the cultural landscape of the city.
10. Monument
Monuments such as Olympic park and museum which will be a part of the London 2012 Olympics will later become a regional property of East London. It will boost the growth of cultural assets of the area.