Aquatics Centre swim cost to match local average

13 SEPTEMBER 2011

The cost of adult peak time swimming at the Aquatics Centre after the Games is expected to match the East London average, currently £4.33[1], it was revealed today.

Peter Tudor, Director of Venues at the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC), told the London Assembly’s Economy, Culture and Sport (ECS) Committee that he was in talks with potential operators and was expecting them to match the average cost in the surrounding Host Boroughs[2].

It is likely that one operator will run both the Aquatics Centre and the Handball Arena with ticket costs partly subsidised by corporate and cultural events as well as major sports competitions. Three potential bidders are in discussion with the OPLC and the winner is expected to be announced in the new year[3].

The Committee also heard how the cost of hiring a court at the Handball Arena is expected to match the £7 per person, per hour average cost in the Host Boroughs.

Dee Doocey AM, Chair of the ECS Committee said,

“We all want to see the Aquatics Centre put to good use after the Games and affordable tickets are key to getting local people, and especially families, through the door.

“Achieving the right balance between any public subsidy required and fair access for London’s elite and amateur athletes is essential to Londoners getting real value for money after the Games.”

The ECS Committee is also investigating[4] the legacy plans for the Velopark, Hockey Arena and Eton Manor. A full report will be published in the winter.

Ends

Notes to Editors

  1. The average cost of peak time adult swimming in the Host Boroughs is currently £4.33. This is an average and may go up or down by the time the Aquatic Centre opens to the public.
  2. Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest and Greenwich
  3. OPLC press release http://www.legacycompany.co.uk/legacy-company-shortlists-operators-for-aquatics-centre-and-multi-use-arena/
  4. More information about the Olympic Park venues investigation
  5. Watch a webcast of the meeting. Comments on the price structure are approximately 40min in
  6. The Chair of the ECS Committee, Dee Doocey AM, is available for interview.  See contact details below.
  7. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

For media enquiries, please contact Alastair Cowan on 020 7983 4504.  For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.  Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.