London 2012 Olympic masterplan praised by CABE

The masterplan for the London Olympics site has won broad support from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) and Design for London.

The joint design review panel, which represents the two organisations, has made comments and recommendations in recent months, prior to the formal planning application, which has now been submitted.

In a written comment on the masterplan application, CABE and Design for London praise the enormous amount of work and thought which has informed the design. The plan provides a robust framework in which Olympic facilities, the Olympic park, and future development can take place.

CABE and Design for London make a series of detailed comments for consideration by the Olympic Delivery Authority, which is both the applicant and planning authority for the development. CABE and Design for London advise the appointed planning decisions team who will determine the applications to make certain that the planning consents capture the ODA’s commitment to deliver high quality London 2012 proposals.

The legacy context of the London Olympic Games means that the site will have to work first as a single self-contained Olympic park and then as a series of new neighbourhoods integrated into a wider context. CABE and Design for London praise the overall strategy to anticipate various legacy requirements in the Games masterplan in order to put in place the best possible foundation for future development and to minimise subsequent transformation.

Commenting on the masterplan, the panel chair, CABE deputy chair Paul Finch said: ‘This project represents an extraordinary opportunity for regeneration of, and investment in, one of the most neglected parts of London. Much of the infrastructure work that is being carried out should not be considered simply as Olympic cost, but as an absolutely necessary investment in this part of the capital. This is work which would have to be undertaken at some stage, and should be separated from costs which are concerned with the Games alone, such as security or temporary stands.

‘The masterplan sets the scene for what we believe should be a series of exciting landscapes and excellent pieces of architecture, procured with a competitive element to promote the best design outcomes. We look forward to the competition for the VeloPark and other significant projects forming the next stage of the 2012 story.’

Design for London director Peter Bishop said: ‘The 2012 Olympics will be the biggest show on earth and a major showcase for London. It is absolutely vital that we get the best possible designs for buildings and public space on the Olympic Park. The signs so far are very positive and we will be working hard to ensure this continues’.