sport 2012’s ‘legacy blueprint’ praised


Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has praised London 2012 for cre- ating a “legacy blueprint” for the hosting of future Olympic and Paralympic Games. Rogge made the comments


ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street, where he was told about ongoing work to prepare for the event, as well as government legacy plans. It coincided with a three-


day visit by the IOC and the publication of Beyond 2012 – outlining the depth of the 2012 legacy. In addition to the sporting legacy benefits,


Preparations for the London 2012 Games are now into the final straight


including the Sainsbury’s School Games, it is also anticipated London 2012 will deliver a £3m boost through domestic and global tourism. Te government also hopes the Games will support a culture of volunteering through the


70,000 Games Makers and 8,000 Team London Ambassadors working during the event. Rogge said: “We can already see tangible


results in the remarkable regeneration of East London. Tis great historical city has created a legacy blueprint for future Games hosts.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=p4S8X


Te scheme will add an athletics track to the site Planning safeguards for UK playing fields


Te government has included safeguards to protect sports playing fields from develop- ment in its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published on 27 March. Planning minister Greg


Clark announced the launch of the new 50-page document, which is designed to simplify the planning process and sup- port economic growth. The new NPPF will only


allow the development of existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land if it involves the creation of equiva- lent or improved facilities elsewhere. Alternatively, playing fields can only be


developed on if it leads to sports provision where the benefits outweigh the losses or if the land is found to be surplus to requirements.


Sport England has welcomed safeguards for playing fields in the NPPF Sport England will continue to be formally


consulted on any relevant planning appli- cations in England and has welcomed the safeguards included in the NPPF as a sign of the government’s commitment to sport. Details: http://lei.sr?a=L1M3x


Irish government launches new E30m facilities fund


A new €30m (£25m) fund has been launched by the Irish government to provide support towards “important” sports capital projects. Te Sports Capital Programme has been


announced by Michael Ring, minister of state for tourism and sport, and is the first round of


© CYBERTREK 2012


sports capital funding made available by the government for four years. Sports clubs will be able to apply for up to


€25,000 (£21,000) for new and improved facil- ities, as well as to purchase equipment. Details: http://lei.sr?a=a0H9S


Twitter: @leisureopps


Cosslett named England Rugby 2015 chair


Andrew Cosslett, the former CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group, is the new chair of Rugby World Cup 2015 organising committee, England Rugby 2015. Te Rugby Football Union has confirmed


the appointment. Cosslett, who has held the post of interim chair, takes up the role with effect this month (April). Cosslett will lead the board with chief


executive officer Paul Vaughan. Board mem- bers also include ex-Football Association chief executive officer Ian Watmore. Details: http://lei.sr?a=e8P5C


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital 3


Middlesbrough to get new sports village?


Middlesbrough Council has launched a consultation in order to gather comments on proposals for a new sports village to replace some of the town’s older facilities. Te council set out its vision of a regional


sports centre in preparation for major bud- get cuts, with preliminary plans identifying the Prissick site for the scheme. Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit and


Prissick Skate Plaza are already currently based at the site, with the new complex set to add a 400m athletics track; five-a-side pitches; and a health club. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=I2r0w


Public support for Pontypridd lido plans


A planned multi-million pound overhaul of the Grade II-listed lido in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, has received the backing of local residents. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has secured


a first round pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the Capita Symonds-designed plans for Ynysangharad Park Lido. Te local authority is working on a “via-


ble and sustainable” project to bring the lido back into public use, with facilities to include a heated 25m main pool. Read more: http://lei.sr?a=R5f2d


image: anthony charlton/oda


image: neil lang/shutterstock.com


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