Park closes after London 2012 Paralympic Games

After the Games the Park is going to close completely for a while, so transformation work can be carried out as fast as possible. This means locals and visitors will have access to the new Park more quickly.

The ‘When’ section of this site explains in detail what needs to be done before the Park can reopen. Changes will impact every part of it in some way, with the work happening in three phases:

1. Clear – Removing temporary Games-time structures

Everything in the Park is currently tailored to the Games – a unique concentration of sporting events and spectators. Not every structure will be kept in place after the Games, and some will need to undergo structural changes to get them ready for the general public –17,500 spectator seats won’t be needed for family swimming lessons.

2. Connect – Linking the Park with local communities

The Park needs to work seamlessly within its surrounding communities; integrated via new footpaths and cycle ways along with new bridges and underpasses.

3. Complete – Building the future facilities of the Park

Putting in place the new features that will make the Park an unmissable world-class events destination.

  • The amount of open parkland will double to 102 hectares
  • A further 4,300 trees will be planted alongside 10 hectares of meadow, new lawns and two large allotment sites
  • A new plaza on the South Park will be built, with a visitor centre, shops andrestaurants
  • The North Park will contain landscaped parkland, and a community hub with one of the UK’s most imaginative playgrounds

People should be able to start enjoying the Park as soon as possible, so it will reopen in phases as sections are completed. First up is the southern section of the North Park. It will reopen on the 27 July 2013 – exactly one year after the start of the Games.