UK Sport to assess Northern Olympic Games for 2040s - in time for Elland Road redevelopment completion
The North of England could host the Olympic Games in the 2040s - with Leeds United’s new ground in the running
A strategic assessment will be carried out to see if the North of England could host the Olympic Games in the 2040s.
UK Sport will examine whether Northern cities could host the Games for the first time since London 2012, assessing the potential cost, socioeconomic benefits and the bid’s chance of success.
And it is hoped that Leeds United’s newly renovated Elland Road ground could play a major role within that.
It comes after the 11 Northern mayors and political leaders in The Great North group wrote to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy putting the region forward.
Now it appears as if the Government is firmly getting behind the mayors’ prospective bid.
Ms Nandy, the Wigan MP, said: “London 2012 showed what the Olympics can do for our country. It inspired a generation through sport, attracted huge investment and showed the best of Britain to the world.
“But while the North of England has driven so much sporting excellence, no matter the talent we produce, the sporting moments we create, and the world-class events we attract - for too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the North.
“Not any more. It’s time the Olympics came North and we showed what we can offer to the world.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that we’re starting the firing gun on a long overdue vote of confidence in the North.”
Meanwhile Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor and MP for Leeds West and Pudsey, added: “Britain’s sporting prowess is recognised and respected around the world.
“It’s something we are determined to capitalise on to breathe life into our communities and build a stronger and more secure economy.
“That’s why we’re throwing our full support behind bringing the Games back home which will boost our Northern Growth Corridor.”
By the 2040s, multiple stadiums across the North, including Leeds United’s Elland Road, will have been redeveloped, while the transport infrastructure should be significantly improved, with Northern Powerhouse Rail.