Lower Lea Valley Stratford - Urban Policy

• What was the Lower Lea Valley (Stratford) like before the urban policy? 


  The area of Stratford was selected as a destination for the 2012 olympic games by the international Olympics committee. Before the Olympics, the region was in dire need of urban regeneration because there were many derelict industrial sites, poor quality housing and high unemployment rates. Also chemicals badly contaminated the land and waterways.
• What was the process of regenerating the Lower Lea Valley (Stratford)? 


  The development of the Olympic Park began in 2007 and was finished for the 2012 Olympic games. First, all the land had to be brought by the Olympic Delivery Authority , which the government established.

  • Around 110 hectares of brownfield land was reclaimed
  • The regeneration of the site included the demolition of old factories and homes and the clearance of derelict and overgrown sites. Additionally, contaminated soil and waterways were cleaned up. They built bridges to connect everything and make moving around easier.
• How has the regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley (Stratford) been successful?

  • The Construction of new sports venues, including the Olympic Stadium, the Aquatics Centre and Velopark, which are open to the public and used by schools. The Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 fans and attracts West Ham supporters to the area weekly to watch games.
  • The Olympics media centre is a hub for creative industries, employing 5,000 people
  • The Athlete’s Village was converted and it provides 2,800 homes
  • Developing the International Quarter, a new high-rise office development employing 25,000 people.