Planning permission was unanimously granted for a beautiful new plaza in the south of the Park in the area between ArcelorMittal Orbit, the Aquatics Centre and the Stadium.
The South Plaza, the public space at the heart of the South Park, will be a dynamic, landscaped area dedicated to entertainment and cultural activities, offering new experiences for each visit.
During Games-time the South Plaza was occupied by temporary cafes, shops and toilet facilities. These will be removed to leave an 11.3 hectare space, (28 acre) equivalent to 16 football pitches, for the new Plaza.
The plans will see this area transformed into beautiful new parkland – contributing to the Legacy Corporation’s plans to double the open space inside Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in comparison to Games-time.
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James Corner Field Operations, the landscape architects responsible for the award winning High Line in New York have designed the Plaza. Planting designer Piet Oudolf, who was also involved in the High Line, has designed a five metre ribbon of perennial planting which will edge each of the Plaza’s features.
The backbone of the South Plaza will be a 12m wide tree-lined promenade, opening onto a series of outdoor ‘rooms’, each with a distinctive character. They include an interactive 'labyrinth' fountain, a classic carousel, a space for impromptu performances, a music room and a play space with climbing wall descending to the canal-side.
There will also be a park hub adjacent to the ArcelorMittal Orbit housing a cafe, box office and roof-top pavilion with spectacular views across the Park.
The Legacy Corporation aims to open the South Park in spring 2014, following the phased opening of the North Park from 27 July 2013 – exactly one year after the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London and Chairman of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said: "The South Plaza will be a stunning legacy for London, framed by some of the most iconic sights of the 2012 Games. Not only will it form an integral part of the new community we are creating in east London, but this fantastic space will draw millions of visitors each year as they flock to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park."
(CD)
