Future Olympics could be held in the North of England as leaders say 'we are ready'
The North of England could host the Olympics for the first time, as mayors and leaders propose a UK bid anchored in the region, aiming to accelerate regeneration and unity.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games could be staged in the North of England for the first time ever.
Mayors and leaders have today (Sunday, February 7), set out a clear proposition for a future UK bid to be anchored in the North of England.
The Great North – a collaboration of leaders across the North – has written a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, calling on Government to commit in principle that any future UK Olympic and Paralympic bid is based in the North and for a ‘fairer’ redistribution of major events across the country.
The letter comes following a call from the Heseltine Institute for the North of England to host a multi-city games, citing the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s growing support for multi-city, region-wide bids.
Northern mayors and leaders believe an Olympic Games anchored in the North would represent ‘a once-in-a-generation opportunity’ to accelerate regeneration, rebalance the economy, and reset international perceptions of England.
Chair of The Great North and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “The North of England has a sporting history and prowess like no other place, and we are united in our belief that our region could host a box office, world-leading Olympic Games.
“Bringing the Olympics to the UK would unite the North and the whole nation, bringing people together and unleashing a groundswell of pride in our places. The Olympics create a legacy like no other, with game-changing investment in jobs, regeneration and transport, creating opportunity for people across the North.
“As Mayors and leaders we are ready to deliver, now we need national Government and sporting bodies to match our ambition: The Olympics would be our moment for the North to stand tall on the international stage.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added that the North has been “warming up on the world stage for years”. He said: “Just imagine how it could inspire a whole generation of kids in Bootle, Barnsley and Byker who deserve to feel that buzz on their doorstep.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham noted that much of the infrastructure needed to host the Games is already in place, adding: “Our facilities are second-to-none, and we have a track record of hosting major global events.
Founder of the Great North Run Sir Brendan Foster, Hull and East Yorkshire mayor Luke Campbell, South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard, Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith, Stephen Atkinson, the chairman of the Lancashire Combined County Authority, and Louise Gittins, chairwoman of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board, are among those who are backing The Great North group.