Sports led rebranding case study. Is sport a catalyst to regeneration?

OLYMPICS
After London won the Olympic bid in 2005, they said it would create a legacy
of sustainability, improving the lives for people in Londons most deprived
area. Regeneration was needed around East London because it was an area
of multiple deprivation (social, economic and environmental decay), there
was a lack of affordable housing, social problems e.g. crime and low
paid (minimum wage) jobs when the Dockyards closed in 1981, there were
120,000 job losses & 60% of male adults unemployed.
The Olympics was hoping to get the area out of its rapid spiral of decline.
The Features of the 2012 Olympic site project:
INFRASTRUCTURE:

80,000 seater stadium already claimed by West ham but will also hold
world events.
New Stratford jubilee rail link.

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY:
Park provides a lot of open spaces which will be used by local residents and
becoming an important wildlife habitat a habitat plan was devised with the
aim of conserving animals & plants.
97% of the materials from the demolished buildings were re-used when
creating the Olympic infrastructure. All materials were bought to the site by
rail which has a smaller carbon footprint than other modes of transport.
Athletes village is likely to achieve a level 4 in the code for sustainable homes.

SOCIAL JUSTICE (?):

The Olympic village will be turned into 3,000 affordable houses HOWEVER
in 2010 there was a change of policy which reduced it to just 1,200.
House prices close to the park are experiencing a large increase in some
places by 70%.
50,000 long term jobs are to be created for local people.
The international broadcast centre the most connected building in London is
to create 3,000 jobs after the games.
It hasnt been completely economically beneficial for the area; over 200
companies had to be relocated and the amount of compensation received
was controversial.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT:

The aquatic centre is going to become a swimming facility for local residents
after temporary seating is removed.
Local residents are engaging in the planning of the park.
Youths in local communities are given grants to build sporting facilities within
their neighbourhood.