Leicestershire Launches Strategy for London 2012
People across Leicestershire are being invited to have their say on a new strategy for Leicestershire aimed at maximising the benefits from the opportunities arising out of London hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A consultation process on the Leicestershire Strategy for London 2012 was officially launched on 22 June at the Youth Games held at Loughborough University. The consultation will run until 22 August and a special website has been developed to allow people to feedback their comments online at www.championing-leics.org.uk
The 2012 Games will present significant opportunities that may benefit businesses, the local economy, communities and individuals in the City of Leicester and County of Leicestershire leading up to, during and beyond the 2012 Games. There will be particular opportunities to ensure children and young people across Leicestershire have a lasting benefit from these Games.
The Leicestershire Steering Group for London 2012 has produced a strategy to maximise the benefits for the whole of Leicestershire arising from the opportunities presented by 2012 Games. The strategy provides the framework for co-ordinated action across the City of Leicester and County of Leicestershire; maximising Leicestershire’s strengths and overcoming challenges to achieve a lasting legacy for the area.
The strategy reflects the views of representatives from a range of organisations who have participated in a number of small working groups to develop the initial ideas for each theme area within the strategy. It also builds the priorities and actions identified in the Regional Strategy for 2012.
The key ambitions for Leicestershire are:
• Businesses will compete for and win 2012 contracts
• Teams and visitors will be welcomed from across the world
• There will be increased participation in sport and physical activity
• Children and young people will be engaged in sport, culture, learning and other positive activity
• Leicestershire’s cultural diversity, creativity and sporting heritage will be celebrated as part of the Cultural Olympiad
• People will think more about improving their health and fitness
• There will be a strong volunteering legacy
The Leicester Shire Economic Partnership (LSEP) has co-ordinated the work on the strategy. Kishor Tailor, Chief Executive of the LSEP said, “We are now seeking comments from partners, groups, individuals and businesses across the City of Leicester and County of Leicestershire to ensure that the strategy is fit-for-purpose. We aim to launch the Final Strategy in September 2008 and this will incorporate feedback received during this consultation period. A Delivery Plan will follow in the Autumn, setting out the detailed actions to deliver the strategy.”
Bill Cullen, Deputy Chief Executive of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and a key member on the Steering Group said, “The strategy focuses on seven key theme areas: business opportunities, visitor economy, sport and physical activity, culture, children and young people, health and well-being, and volunteering. We would like people to look at those themes of most interest to them and let us know if they think we have got the correct focus, ambitions, priorities and actions. We want to hear if there anything missing or they feel certain themes should receive greater emphasis than others.”
For a copy of the strategy document, or to leave feedback comments, go to the strategy website: www.championing-leics.org.uk
Closing date for comments in 22 August 2008
For further information on the strategy and the consultation process, please contact:
Steve Dibnah
Regeneration Consultant
Leicester Shire Economic Partnership
Charnwood Court
Leicester
LE1 6TE
0116 257 5627
steved@lsep.co.uk
