The 250 acres Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is adjacent to Westfields Stratford City. So obviously the purpose of building it was the 2012 Summer Olympic games in London. However the Park is redeveloped after the game. The Olympic facilities are in use for general public since the end of the games. The Olympic village buildings are now inhabited by residents. The real purpose of the Park is to create a new spot in East London with lasting facilities from the games.
The London Stadium
Originally known as the Olympic Stadium. The London Stadium is a multi-purpose venue for outdoor activities such football games, concerts as well as other activities like cricket baseball. It hosted the 2015 Rugby World cup games. Built between 2008 and 2011. The opening takes place on May 2012. The field size is 105 by 68 metres. The owner is E20stadium, LLP. West Ham United and UK Athletics got tenancies.
Outdoor Facilities
Like many Parks there is a gym spot. Close to the Stadium pedestrians can stop by and exercise. A playground is at proximity of the gym facilities.
ArcelorMittal Orbit
The ArcelorMittal orbit is an observation tower of 114.5 metres high. It the largest piece of art of Britain! You can have a full view of the Olympic Park and beyond People can see Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and the rest of the London’s skyline. The top viewing platform is 80m and the lower is 76m. A tunnel slide is operational within the tower since 2016 to attract more visitors.
The London Aquatic Centre
The London Aquatic Centre is a modern design building. The is where swimming competitions as well as diving took place during the Olympics. This is today an open swimming pool that includes a gym for all. Expect the pool to be 3 metres deep and not touching feet on all the 25 metres long. The design is an absolute architectural wonder. For me it’s like a spaceship. The centre is right opposite the stadium. However the design was decided in 2004 before the 2012 bid. During the Olympics, two temporary wings were part of the complex to fit spectators and removed after the games.
The Olympic Bell
This is the second heaviest bell in Europe. Cast in the Netherland the Whitechapel bell foundry made the design but was no longer to cast such a bell. The tune is the most harmonical in the world.
Thoughts
Visited the area for the first time in 2018 and enjoyed the surroundings especially Westfields commercial centre. The Park is worth for a stroll after the shopping. This place offers a beautiful view like many other spots in London. Exploring the London 2012 legacy was for me interesting in term of how they converted the facilities into permanent complexes.