In January, the Mayor and the Government agreed to establish a dedicated 2012 legacy delivery company to plan and maximise the opportunities available from this huge area of public sector land. In her new role Baroness Ford will lead this commercially driven and community focused company, which will work with the host boroughs, local people and businesses, building on the enormous investment and momentum already underway to transform the Park into a treasured asset for the capital and the country.
Communities and Local Government Secretary, Hazel Blears said: "Baroness Ford will be instrumental in driving the legacy company and ensuring regeneration and development in the five host boroughs creates communities where people want to live and work.
"London 2012 is not just about the Olympic Games, it's about a once in a life time opportunity to provide a legacy across East London that will benefit people for generations to come.”
The Mayor said:
"I am determined that no stone is left unturned in the delivery of the 2012 legacy, which will reap benefits for generations to come not only in East London but across the capital and country. Today we have reached another landmark in this delivery with the appointment of Baroness Ford to lead the legacy delivery company. She brings with her crucial private and public sector expertise and I am excited both by her ideas and motivation to implement the fantastic vision that Government, the host boroughs and I share. Her contribution will be valuable and I look forward to working with her on this hugely important role."
Olympics Minister, Tessa Jowell said: "I am delighted at Baroness Ford's appointment to Chair the Legacy Delivery Company.
"Success in creating a vibrant, commercial, cultural and sporting park in the years after the Olympics with the strong engagement of local communities will be one of the most important tests of success in meeting our big ambitions for the Games.
"Margaret Ford has a very strong record of achievement and will, I'm sure, bring strong leadership in meeting these challenges."
Baroness Ford brings to the role an abundance of experience in leading and managing complex private and public sector companies and bodies. She is an experienced Non Executive Director and specialises in working with infrastructure and real estate business. High profile roles include her previous chairmanship of English Partnerships and her current position as a senior advisor to the Royal Bank of Canada's Global Infrastructure Group.
Baroness Ford said: “Legacy was right at the heart of the London 2012 bid. This new company will provide a strong focus and drive to deliver a community and London-wide legacy that we can be proud of and build on the excellent work done so far by 2012 partners. I look forward to working with the Mayor, Government and the host boroughs and am thrilled at having the opportunity to turn our legacy plans into a reality."
The new legacy delivery company will assume the advisory roles and responsibilities of the Mayor's Legacy Advisory Board, as well as lead in the implementation of legacy delivery at the Olympic Park. David Gregson has been the interim non-exec Chair of the Advisory Board since January 2009, a role he agreed to perform until the legacy delivery company is created.
The 2012 legacy delivery company's remit will include securing a viable future for the venues that will remain post-2012, as well as creating distinctive new communities, ranging from buzzing urban centres to quieter areas for families surrounded by waterways and green open spaces. Ultimately, it will drive a major long term programme of development and regeneration in east and south-east London over the next two decades, welcoming visitors from near and far, drawn by their experience of the unique imprint of the 2012 Games and a range of exciting attractions. One of its first tasks will be to oversee the submission of the planning application for the Olympic Park during the summer.
