Laing O'Rourke Appointed for Here East's Olympic Legacy Project

Spearheading the creation of a world-class creative and digital cluster in London, iCity has announced that Laing O’Rourke will begin transforming the former Olympic Park Press and Broadcast Centres on 20 October 2014

iCity - a joint venture between specialist real estate investment and advisory company Delancey and Infinity SDC, a leading UK data centre operator – has appointed Laing O’Rourke to create a home for world-leading creative and digital companies in the heart of east London. Laing O’Rourke will also provide facilities management during the construction phase of the project.

Here East intends to offer the most advanced digital infrastructure in Europe, using the connectivity and facilities created for the Press and Broadcast Centre during the Games.  Laing O’Rourke will redevelop the existing buildings of the media complex on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford to create a world-leading center of innovation, education and enterprise.

Here East’s unique location will provide a range of flexible spaces and will bring together global companies alongside east London’s most innovative start-ups.  The former Press Centre will be ready for occupation in early summer 2015, while Loughborough University will open its brand new London campus to its first cohort of students in October 2015.

The former Broadcast Centre will feature office and studio space, and will undergo a phased delivery, with the complete space ready for occupation in early 2016. BT Sport is already broadcasting live premiership football directly from Here East.

Responding to the London 2012 Olympic Games legacy requirements, Laing O’Rourke will work closely with Here East and the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) to ensure at least 25 percent of people working on the project live in the four neighbouring boroughs; with a new apprenticeship created for every 20 people employed.

Commenting, Gavin Poole, CEO of Here East, said: “We are delighted to announce the start of construction works to develop this unique digital and creative cluster at Here East. It will deliver thousands of employment and training opportunities, starting with the construction phase through Laing O’Rourke. We are excited that we are now entering the final phase of delivering this economic legacy to London and the UK.”

Jamie Ritblat, CEO of Delancey, said: “Here East is a unique development that will provide a dedicated home to the UK’s fast-growing and world-leading creative and digital industries. We are thrilled with the support that LLDC has provided us with and look forward to continuing to work closely alongside them to deliver this important legacy. The ambitious timetable for transformation works demonstrates both Delancey and LLDC’s joint commitment to supporting innovation, employment and enterprise across the Olympic Park.”

Laing O’Rourke CEO Anna Stewart said: “Here East is not only creating a world class digital and creative hub but will also deliver  immediate economic benefits for East London and the wider UK through the creation of skilled employment and training opportunities during the construction phase. Laing O’Rourke is incredibly proud to be returning to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to help bring about this vision.”