‘Dream come true’ – industry joy as London wins 2012 Olympics

The construction industry was this week preparing itself for a glut of work following London’s winning its bid to host the 2012 Olympics.

The capital beat off a challenge from rival city Paris in the final round of the contest on Wednesday lunchtime.

Industry firms reacted with delight to the news. Speaking from Singapore Franklin + Andrews managing director Andrew Williams, whose firm is working as cost consultant on the plans, said: “It’s been building.

We knew it was close. The win is just a dream come true.”

Project management firm Hornagold & Hill said the win would prove a catalyst for regeneration in the Thames Gateway.

Senior partner Stan Hornagold said: “Thames Gateway desperately needed a catalyst like this to get things moving. We have been saying for some time that leadership and momentum are vital in turning Thames Gateway from theory into reality.

“The leadership has come in a sense from Lord Coe, and the rest of the 2012 team who have achieved this great result for London, and the whole of the South East, through hard work and determination.

“Momentum comes as people begin to recognise that this is not just empty talk but a real opportunity to revitalise an area which has been deprived of investment for far too long.”

Architect HOK, part of the masterplanning team for the Olympic Village said the facilities for 2012 would be world class.

Senior principal Rod Sheard said: “This victory is well deserved. By 2012 London will have the best sporting facilities in the world at Wembley, Wimbledon, the Dome and the new Olympic Games Stadium.”

The decision is expected to lead to £8bn worth of work (see box). It could also add to construction inflation in London and the South East. Simon Rawlinson, Davis Langdon partner, told QS News last month that his firm was telling clients to expect 1-2% extra cost inflation.

Other QS firms who have already worked on plans for the Olympics include EC Harris and Faithful & Gould.