The Impact of the Olympics on Greenwich Park Essays

The Impact of the Olympics on Greenwich Park Essays The Impact of the Olympics on Greenwich Park Essay The Impact of the Olympics on Greenwich Park Essay Greenwich Park is one of the oldest and most historic parks in the UK: it is one of Britains 33 World Heritage Sites, and is the only urban park in the UK to be such a site (Jennings, 2001). This fact, combined with the amenities and tourist attractions it provides, makes it one of the most important sites in London, and the UK in general. As a result of this historic important and the existing status as a major tourist attraction, Greenwich Park was chosen as a site for the London 2012 Olympic Games. However, this decision has created controversy, with arguments that the facilities for the Games will cause long term damage to the park and the surrounding area. As such, this piece will examine the history of Greenwich Park, its current status both within London and the wider UK, and how the plans for the Olympics, and after the Olympics, will affect the park. This will be achieved via reviews of the literature, a survey of the attitudes at students at Edinburgh and the users of the park, and a cost benefit analysis of the plans to use Greenwich for the Olympics. This methodology has been selected because it allows triangulation between the three sources of data: secondary desk research, primary survey research, and the cost benefit analysis (Saunders et al, 2007). In addition, the survey, whilst brief, will allow for a broad range of data to be collected, which will help direct the literature review and the cost benefit analysis in relevant directions. Greenwich was originally settled around the time of the ancient Romans, with its proximity to the Thames and the view afforded from the top of the hill making it a desirable and relatively secure location. However, the park truly came to prominence when it was inherited by the Duke of Gloucester, brother of the king, in 1427. Henry VIII was born in Greenwich, along with his two daughters, which truly cemented the importance of the park to England. The current layout was created in the 1600s, when the tree lined avenues were created, and the Queens House was built around the same time, by the wife of James I of England, the first of the Stuart monarchs. The Stuarts further enhanced the park, with Charles commissioning Sir Christopher Wren to build The Royal Observatory, taking advantage of the clear views of the sky from the top of the hill. Greenwich became world famous following Britains rise to naval prominence in the 19th century, and Nevil Maskelynes accurate measurements of time based on observations of lunar distances from Greenwich. As such, Greenwich Mean Time became the most accurate measure of time until the development of the atomic clock, and helped lead to Greenwich becoming a World Heritage Site in 1997 (Jennings, 2001). Today, Greenwich Park is primarily used as an amenity for people living in the local area, people from further afield, and also the students who study at the nearby University of Greenwich. The park is the oldest enclosed Royal Park in the UK, as well as being one of the largest parks in South East London, making it a key part of the region. The views from the hilltop include the City of London, the River Thames, Canary Wharf and the O2. In addition, Greenwich Park contains several of the most important historic buildings in London, including the former Royal Observatory and the Queens House, as well as the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Naval College. The picturesque setting and prevalence of historic buildings also make Greenwich Park, and Greenwich in general, one of the UKs main film locations; particularly for period dramas. Most notable, a significant portion of the TV adaptation of Jane Austens Sense and Sensibility was filmed in the Park (Jennings, 2001). The important historic nature of Greenwich Park, together with its picturesque nature and status as a tourist attraction, led to it being included as a venue for the Olympic Games in London in 2012. The park will be where the equestrian and show jumping events are held, as well as where the cross country and riding aspects of the modern pentathlon will take place. As part of this, a temporary cross country track will be constructed in the park, as well as a temporary stadium for up to 23,000, within the National Maritime Museum (London2012. com). These plans have raised some concerns amongst local residents that the construction of the stadium and track will result in significant and long term damage to the park and many of its trees and facilities. In particular, the fact that Greenwich Park is the only urban park in the UK designated as a World Heritage Site has led some to claim that it is not suitable as a venue for such a large and damaging event (Gilligan, 2008).