The idea of a Northern Olympics has moved a step closer to reality. The Government is putting £7 million into exploring a future UK bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and northern mayors and local leaders have already lined up behind the idea of hosting in the region.
Chancellor John Healey is expected to announce a full feasibility study into a Northern Olympic Games in his Budget on Wednesday. The study will look in detail at how a Games could be delivered and how strong a bid could be.
What the study will examine
The study builds on initial work by UK Sport, which mapped out the costs and potential benefits of a Northern Games and cleared its first hurdle. The next phase goes deeper and will cover the following:
- The types of venues and transport links needed
- How hosting could be spread across the North
- The costs and benefits for communities
- The prospects of putting together a winning bid
The Government, UK Sport and mayors in the North of England will take the work forward together. The British Olympic and Paralympic Associations will join them, as they would ultimately be responsible for any bid.
Northern leaders hope a Games could involve tens of thousands of people in its delivery and reach millions more through sport, culture and community activity. The Government also links the idea to the Northern Growth Strategy, driven from No 10 North, which includes investment in transport, new homes, public spaces and grassroots sport.
Manchester’s view
Councillor Garry Bridges, Leader of Manchester City Council, pointed to the 2002 Commonwealth Games as proof of what major sport can do for the city. He said: “The 2002 Commonwealth Games was a huge moment for our city, acting as a catalyst for our economy boom, encouraging future growth and setting the stage for the development of some of the biggest names in world sport, right here in Manchester.”
“This bid could be a defining moment for the north,” Bridges said, calling the Government’s commitment “a huge signal of confidence”. He added that the city is ready and would eagerly welcome the initiative.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he wants people to feel the excitement of an Olympics “in their own towns and communities, not just watch it on the telly”. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the Government is backing the next steps towards a Northern bid.
More big events on the way
The Government says it has already backed several major events, including last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, which ended with the final at Twickenham. Next, comes the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs in 2027, which will race through England, Scotland and Wales. The UK and Ireland will then host UEFA EURO 2028. Government investment in these events totals more than £500 million.
