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The UK government has tasked UK Sport with carrying out an initial strategic evaluation to explore the possibility of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the north of England during the 2040s. This assessment will analyze whether the country is capable of staging the Games again since London’s hosting in 2012. It will include considerations such as potential costs, socio-economic impacts, and the likelihood of a successful bid.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized a shift in attitude toward hosting the Olympics outside the capital, stating, “For too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the north.” She expressed confidence that the north could deliver an outstanding Games and highlighted the launch of this preliminary study to identify the needed investments, resources, infrastructure, and transport requirements. Depending on UK Sport’s findings, a more detailed technical feasibility study could follow, with the British Olympic Association ultimately deciding on whether to proceed with a bid.
Earlier this year, several northern political figures called on the government to ensure that any future Olympic bid would be located in their region. They argued there is a strong case for doing so, noting the presence of elite sporting venues, major stadiums, and arenas already in place. This proposal contrasts with London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan’s stated preference for the capital to host the Games again. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness welcomed the government’s move, saying, “We stand ready to work together to develop a credible, deliverable vision that can make the case to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).” Public opinion polls from a year after London 2012 showed that over two-thirds of UK residents believed the £8.77bn cost was justified, despite it being three times over budget. The event was credited with regenerating east London and boosting the local economy but fell short of increasing sports participation as expected.
Regarding sporting venues in the north, Manchester, despite unsuccessful bids for the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, hosted the 2004 Commonwealth Games. The City of Manchester Stadium, now known as the Etihad Stadium, served as the athletics venue before being converted for football use. Manchester also features the national velodrome and an aquatics centre. Proposals have been made for Liverpool’s Albert Dock and River Mersey to serve as sailing event locations, with the nearby Lake District considered a site for open-water swimming. Additionally, Manchester United plans to develop a 100,000-seater stadium by 2035, while Leeds United has intentions to upgrade Elland Road.
When discussing potential challenges of a northern Olympic bid, Lisa Nandy acknowledged that identifying suitable stadiums will be part of the study. She mentioned that athletics facilities present specific hurdles but framed these as issues any government should address regardless of the Olympics, with a bid offering a timely catalyst. She noted the importance of utilizing existing infrastructure amid financial constraints and pointed to projects like Everton’s new stadium as examples of regional capability. The International Olympic Committee’s openness to multi-city or regional bids could help minimize new infrastructure expenses. Nandy concluded firmly, “We’ve got to prove to them that we can do this in the north of England. I believe that we can, though, and we’re deadly serious about making it happen.
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