As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw to a close, the city faces the challenge of ensuring its legacy avoids the pitfalls experienced by London following its 2012 Games. The London Olympic Park’s ArcelorMittal Orbit, an Anish Kapoor sculpture equipped with a giant slide, serves as a poignant symbol of the promises made and broken in the aftermath of the 2012 Olympics.
Officially, the Orbit has been closed for maintenance since early 2024. In reality, visitor numbers have fallen far short of initial projections, with only around 93,000 visitors annually compared to the anticipated 350,000. This shortfall has left London taxpayers shouldering the financial burden of its steep maintenance costs.
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| Paris 2024 faces the challenge of avoiding the legacy pitfalls experienced by London post-2012 Olympics, as it seeks to fulfill its promises of transformation and inclusivity |
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) recently announced plans for Zip World to take over the Orbit, investing £2.6 million to reopen it in 2025. This announcement is part of a broader narrative of promises and projections that often overshadow the less glamorous realities. While London’s Olympic legacy is frequently lauded in financial and investment circles, the true impact is more nuanced.
In the shadow of the Orbit, London’s Olympic Park has seen both development and displacement. The area now boasts the striking Aquatics Centre designed by Zaha Hadid, and the expansive Westfield shopping center. Yet, despite these developments, the surrounding communities have not universally shared in the prosperity. Luxury developments have flourished, while many local residents continue to face long waits for affordable housing. Of the 33,000 new homes planned by 2036, only a third are designated as affordable, falling short of the original pledge of 50%. The redefined standards for “affordable housing” often remain out of reach for lower-income families.
The influx of affluent young professionals contrasts starkly with the struggles of marginalized communities. For example, the Black population in Stratford has decreased significantly over the past two decades. This pattern of gentrification under the guise of regeneration mirrors similar trends in cities worldwide, from Rio de Janeiro to Tower Hamlets.
As Paris embarks on its own Olympic legacy project, it faces high expectations and noble promises. The city has made strides, such as extending metro lines and cleaning the River Seine for the triathlon events, which are part of broader efforts to bridge the divide between the city's affluent center and its poorer suburbs. The commitment to allocate 32% of new homes in Saint-Denis, the site of the athletes' village, for public housing is a step in the right direction.
However, pledges are merely the beginning. The real challenge lies in translating promises into tangible outcomes. Effective legacy planning requires political will, financial resources, and a commitment to addressing the needs of all residents, not just the wealthy.
Ken Livingstone, former Mayor of London, famously noted that the Olympics were more than just a three-week sporting event; they were a vehicle for infrastructure and societal transformation. Yet, the reality has often fallen short of these grand visions. As Paris looks to its post-Olympic future, it has an opportunity to learn from London’s experiences and strive for a legacy that truly benefits all its citizens.
The current housing crisis in London, exacerbated by inadequate responses to the needs of marginalized communities, serves as a cautionary tale. While efforts to address these issues continue, the legacy of the London Games remains a mixed one. Paris, however, still has the chance to navigate its path more successfully, ensuring that its Olympic legacy fosters genuine and inclusive progress.
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