Sharing The Bounty Of Major Events

By Primary Communication
Monday 10 March, 2008

The days of a “Sydney”, “Beijing” or “London” Olympics may be numbered if the controversial call for decentralisation by a leading Australian stadia expert is heeded.

At Sport Knowledge Australia’s (SKA) International Sport Facility Management course in Melbourne next month, chief presenter Simon Weatherill, CEO of the State Sport Centres Trust, will put forward the case for de-centralising major events in particular the Olympic Games

Instead of city-centric or ‘precinct models’, Weatherill extols the benefits of sharing events between a nation’s cities à la John O’Neill’s Rugby World Cup of 2003.

Weatherill says that the 2012 Olympic Games will bestow little by way of legacy outside of London. He believes more could be achieved were the IOC to encourage decentralisation when considering future bids.

“Events like the Olympics offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Wetherill. “Billions are spent on infrastructure for an event that runs only two weeks a year, but what is important to consider, is the next 35 years.

“Instead of London hosting all events, there could have been distribution with for example swimming in Birmingham or Sheffield and an opening and closing ceremony at Wembley. That’s the Olympic model of future years.”

If however the only option is a single host city, Wetherill promotes central venues, as with Melbourne’s Commonwealth Games set up, rather than corralling events into a purpose built precinct.

“One problem of a precinct model is that it services one particular area and that is not necessarily the best way to achieve a strong legacy because it only serves that set community and there might well be duplication of venues that already exist outside the precinct.”

Organisers for major events will also measure the success of London’s leaning towards temporary facilities. “London will be a test case in terms of the 2012 Olympics. David Higgins (Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority) is considering temporary facilities that can be utilised and then moved to other places in the country.”

Weatherill, who oversees the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, the State Netball & Hockey Centre and the Melbourne School of Sports & Recreation Management in his role as CEO of the SSCT, will present at the Sport Knowledge Australia residential course in Melbourne from 22-27 April.

He will be joined by other top level industry speakers including HOK Sport principal Alistair Richardson, design director of award winning stadia projects, and pre-eminent expert in aquatic and multi-use centre design and management, Michael King a director of the SGL group.

During the six-day workshop participants will discuss and develop practical tools for the planning and operation of major facilities. Attendees will tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and Melbourne and Olympic Parks.

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