London 2012 stadium takes shape

I must admit to never venturing further East in London than Greenwich. Somehow my London experience to date has been very "western". Until today that is...


I took myself out toward Stratford, to the enormous building site that is where the London 2012 Olympic Park and Stadium are taking shape.


The size of the construction site is breathtaking, and as you look out over it, it almost seems to spread out Biblically, as far as the eye can see.


At the moment, the most dominant feature of the site is the Olympic stadium itself, which given that the Olympics are still more than 1,000 days away, appears to be coming along very well. (By comparison to when I have seen preparations for the 20120 World Cup in South Africa. Although at the moment it looks more like a dinner plate in a metal cage, it is easy to see how this structure will become the centrepiece of the Olympic Park come 2012.

Also clear to see is the Aquatics centre, though not as accessible at the main stadium.





What is apparent is that this is not just a building project, this involves all manner of engineering projects under a single banner. It is obvious that transport, utilities, infrastructure and community projects and developments are all taking place and contributing to the development of the East End of London.


And say what you will about what may become of the Olympics, or the legacy they may leave after 2012, it is clear that in the current economic climate, a massive construction project such as this one, which cannot be stalled, halted or delayed in any way, is driving the manufacturing and construction industry in the local London area, and probably reaching out throughout the UK. Right now the employment and economic development that this project is providing the people of London is probably immeasurable, and you shudder to think what unemployment and growth statistics might be without this project.