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The Olympics – going for gold and what else? : can London 2012 urban regeneration legacy be considered as sustainable development?

Cunningham, James LU (2014) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM01 20141
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
Olympic legacy was previously seen as a potential burden on the host city, however an evolutionary shift has occurred whereby it can now be regarded as an instrument in wider urban policy planning. Sustainable development is a requirement set by some governments, and London 2012 aimed to use the Olympic legacy for sustainable development in the form of urban regeneration. This paper is a case study of the London 2012 Olympics, using mixed methods involving interview, documents and personal observations. The focus is on the potential for mega sporting events such as the Olympics to contribute to sustainable urban development, and the London case, is used as an example of how this potential can be realised, and what problems it can occur.... (More)
Olympic legacy was previously seen as a potential burden on the host city, however an evolutionary shift has occurred whereby it can now be regarded as an instrument in wider urban policy planning. Sustainable development is a requirement set by some governments, and London 2012 aimed to use the Olympic legacy for sustainable development in the form of urban regeneration. This paper is a case study of the London 2012 Olympics, using mixed methods involving interview, documents and personal observations. The focus is on the potential for mega sporting events such as the Olympics to contribute to sustainable urban development, and the London case, is used as an example of how this potential can be realised, and what problems it can occur. Within this, I analyse the concept of legacy itself, before using that definition to understand the sustainability of the London Olympics via the three pillars of sustainable development (Environment, Social and Economic).
Each pillar was critically analysed highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the London Olympics towards sustainable development. Environmentally the focus was directed towards construction and renewable energy. Emphasis regarding social aspects was concentrated on issues such as gentrification and sports participation and the effect of using temporary venues. Economic legacy is the most researched aspect and therefore this paper does not just regurgitate monetary values. Instead it analyses the employment legacy, which is vital when investigating local economic impacts.
This paper takes steps towards understanding Olympic regeneration and concludes that the desired goal of sustainable development within this is still a utopian prospect, and that more analysis is needed before it can be considered as a utilitarian practice. It has however, underlined a variety of the different strengths and weaknesses of current approaches, which if adapted can enhance sustainable regeneration further. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Cunningham, James LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM01 20141
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
urban regeneration, sustainability science, London 2012 Olympics, sustainable development, legacy
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2014:033
language
English
id
4463501
date added to LUP
2014-06-19 08:53:46
date last changed
2014-06-19 08:53:46
@misc{4463501,
  abstract     = {{Olympic legacy was previously seen as a potential burden on the host city, however an evolutionary shift has occurred whereby it can now be regarded as an instrument in wider urban policy planning. Sustainable development is a requirement set by some governments, and London 2012 aimed to use the Olympic legacy for sustainable development in the form of urban regeneration. This paper is a case study of the London 2012 Olympics, using mixed methods involving interview, documents and personal observations. The focus is on the potential for mega sporting events such as the Olympics to contribute to sustainable urban development, and the London case, is used as an example of how this potential can be realised, and what problems it can occur. Within this, I analyse the concept of legacy itself, before using that definition to understand the sustainability of the London Olympics via the three pillars of sustainable development (Environment, Social and Economic). 
 Each pillar was critically analysed highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the London Olympics towards sustainable development. Environmentally the focus was directed towards construction and renewable energy. Emphasis regarding social aspects was concentrated on issues such as gentrification and sports participation and the effect of using temporary venues. Economic legacy is the most researched aspect and therefore this paper does not just regurgitate monetary values. Instead it analyses the employment legacy, which is vital when investigating local economic impacts.
 This paper takes steps towards understanding Olympic regeneration and concludes that the desired goal of sustainable development within this is still a utopian prospect, and that more analysis is needed before it can be considered as a utilitarian practice. It has however, underlined a variety of the different strengths and weaknesses of current approaches, which if adapted can enhance sustainable regeneration further.}},
  author       = {{Cunningham, James}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{The Olympics – going for gold and what else? : can London 2012 urban regeneration legacy be considered as sustainable development?}},
  year         = {{2014}},
}