Bid to hold Olympics and Paralympics in North of England takes major step forward

The Olympic and Paralympic games could be coming to the North of England under plans being explored by ministers.

The government has commissioned its UK Sport to carry out an initial strategic assessment examining whether the UK can host the games during the 2040s.

Returning to Britain for the first time since London 2012, hosting the Games would be part of plans to boost growth and regenerate towns and cities. The assessment will consider costs, socio-economic benefits and the chances of success.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy 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.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “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. It’s also why we’re backing stadium regeneration plans, like at Elland Road, to deliver new homes, business opportunities and public spaces in Leeds and beyond.”

The findings of the initial assessment will determine whether a more detailed technical feasibility study is undertaken to examine costs, benefits and viability of hosting the Games.

Any final decision on if and when a future bid might take place would be for the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association to take. Manchester was unsuccessful in a 1993 bid to stage the 2000 Olympic Games, which were ultimately awarded to Sydney.

Responding, North of England South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “It’s right the government is now taking a serious look at whether a future Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North could become a reality. It’s an important first step in recognising the strength and ambition that exists across our whole country.

“I’m not simply backing the plan for a Northern Olympics because South Yorkshire has a long, proud and indelible sporting heritage that we want to recognise and show-off to the world, but because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to demand huge, transformational investment across the whole of the North.”