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Olympicoplois: Plans revealed for higher education and cultural hub
Newham Council is set to work with the London Legacy Development Corporation and the Mayor of London on proposals that could see the V&A and UCL open new sites on Stratford waterfront between the Olympic Stadium and Stratford Station.
Sir Robin said: “This is an exciting vision for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and would further cement Newham’s investment in the Olympic Stadium as a lasting legacy for our residents, London and the nation.
“We are delighted at the prospect of working with the V&A and UCL and other partners on further unlocking the potential of Stratford and Newham. The educational and cultural potential of the project will inspire Newham’s young people to look at the wider opportunities available to them. As well as offering a huge number of jobs for local residents, it would also provide a significant boost to the local economy for years to come.”
The ‘Olympicopolis’ vision takes its inspiration from Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, who used the proceeds of the 1851 Great Exhibition to create ‘Albertopolis’ – the Exhibition Road site in South Kensington that is today considered one of the world’s pre-eminent scientific, educational and cultural hubs.
Sir Robin added: “Nowhere else in London is transforming at the scale and speed of Stratford, which already has amongst the best transport links around. Alongside the development of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Olympic Stadium and Westfield Stratford City, the proposed Olympicopolis cultural hub would position Stratford as a world-leading residential, business, academic and leisure and tourism destination.”
UCL’s initial plans would complement their site in central London and include a centre for culture and heritage, a design school, a biotech hub and an educational technology centre, as well as a space for entrepreneurs.
The V&A’s proposed expansion will enable more of its permanent collection to be displayed, as well as providing a showcase for temporary and touring exhibitions in partnership with other leading international museums and galleries, and a centre for research and conservation.
Pictures; Colin Grainger