London 2012, worth it or not? (new home, pros and cons, tax)

[paull805]

in a bit over a years time the biggest sporting event in the world will be hitting these shores, but what do people think, was it in the interest of the uk to get the games or is it an almighty waste of tax payers money?

[ben86]

Funny that you should ask that, because just today I went over to Stratford to see how the building's coming along (quite well, it'll be finished way in advance). I'm looking forward to the Olympics, not only as a big sport fan. There'll be a buzz about the place, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the world's biggest event on our doorstep as well as a legacy of some more world-class sports facilities. There aren't many events outside the London area so for you up in Scotland it quite possibly is just a waste of money if you've no interest in coming to watch it, but a lot of that money has gone towards renovation work that needed to be done anyway, and should be largely offset by not only tourist revenue but selling the new homes created (which is what the Olympic Park will be after it's all over), the benefits of the improved transport links, the higher profile London will have (investment), the jobs created by hosting the Games, etc. I've actually signed up to be a volunteer at the Games, but as it's something like seven times oversubscribed I doubt my name will be pulled out of the hat.

[paull805]

I for one am looking forward to it, like you said its a once in a lifetime event, and with the commonwelth games in glasgow 2 years later it should be an brilliant few years for britain sport wise, hopefully it will get lots more people interested in sport, and we can show the world we can put on amazing international events. but i am aware some people think it is a bit of a gamble, and other people think with the current economic climate its not the right thing to do, so hopefully we will get a good debate going, and find out the pros and cons of the olympics

[LondonUSA]

I'm really not. With hindsight i think that we can see that we could have done with the money rather than spending it. It should however help improve parts of East London economically.

Another good thing is that security will be tight so hopefully athletes and supporters will be safe unlike if it was being help in a 'poorer' country. - May sound harsh but i think it is fairly true.

[Rupert_Baehr]

It will do a lot for London, but London is not at the centre of the United Kingdom, nor do all the taxpayers live there.

For many people getting to events in London will be very difficult (probably impossible.)

I understand the 'London Countdown Clock' stopped the other day ... did somebody forget to pay it, or did they not have enough money to pay the electricity bill?

[Mag3.14]

Originally Posted by Rupert_Baehr

It will do a lot for London, but London is not at the centre of the United Kingdom, nor do all the taxpayers live there.

For many people getting to events in London will be very difficult (probably impossible.)

I understand the 'London Countdown Clock' stopped the other day ... did somebody forget to pay it, or did they not have enough money to pay the electricity bill?

It does generate about 40% of the UKs GDP though..

[Mathguy]

Well, there are short-term costs but in the long term if visitors have a great time they are likely to tell others and thus boost tourism.

I have a relative that *may* be competing there (it's a sport where the US is very very good at so making the US team is incredibly hard but if you do you have a decent chance at a medal) and if they do I will be spending a good chunk of money to attend.

[Rupert_Baehr]

Originally Posted by Mathguy

Well, there are short-term costs but in the long term if visitors have a great time they are likely to tell others and thus boost tourism...

Will it really provide a long-term boost for tourism? Are there many potential tourists who have never heard of London; people who are likely to e persuaded to visit the place by an Olympic games?

In the early 1970s Roger Whittaker sang a song which went:

"Enger-land swings, like a pendulum do,
Bobbies on bicycles two by two ..."

I suspect that may have done more to promote tourism in London than the Olympic games will.

And it cost rather less, too.

[AnthonyB]

Quite tempted to fly over for them. I think it could have a really fun, down to earth atmosphere if done right.

[Trimac20]

Why have some cities already hosted the Olympics like 3-4 times, while other major metropolises haven't even hosted it once? Hold it in NYC or something before you hold it in London for the 3rd or 4th time .