The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has announced changes to its plans for Greenwich Park which will see it closing for four weeks in the Summer of 2012 – down from a previous estimate of six weeks.
LOCOG also say that most of the Flower Garden and the Children’s Playground will remain open throughout the four weeks. The annoucement came during last week’s meeting with local amenity groups held at the Blackheath Halls.
Other details unveiled at the meeting and sent to the local media afterwards include:
- There are no planned residential road closures.
- Circus Field in Blackheath will be used as an operational compound to avoid the need for large vehicle access the Park, enabling access from the A2 to the Park. This will cause less disruption and impact to the Park itself.
- LOCOG is discussing with The Royal Parks ways of upgrading the Children’s Playground and other parts of the Park as a legacy after the Games
- It is also working with The Royal Parks on protective measures for the Park and with arboricultural and ecological experts on a Cross Country course which will not adversely affect any trees. No trees will have to be cut down.
Local pressure group, NOGOE, acknowledged the plans for a reduced closure but issued a statement restating their opposition:
NOGOE feel that Greenwich Park is not the right choice. LOCOG did not provide adequate justification as to why users of this Park and local residents and retailers should be so public-spirited when there are better alternative venues available; and when no evidence was given about the environmental impact, to feel reassured that there would be no lasting damage to the ecology, archaeology and wildlife in this international treasure.