Olympic venue operators promise 8,000 jobs

Melissa York, Reporter Thursday, October 11, 2012
8:00 AM

The Copper Box venue in Stratford’s Olympic Park will create nearly 80 new jobs when it opens next year, say operators GLL.

The social enterprise, who run the Newham, East Ham, Baalam, and Atherton Leisure Centre, will also take over operations for the Copper Box and the Aquatics Centre when they re-open to the public in July 2013 and 2014 respectively.

GLL also say they are ‘committed to ensuring that 70 per cent’ of new jobs will be offered to local people, defined as ‘anyone living within the vicinity of the Queen Elizabeth Park’.

The first of 79 permanent roles at the Copper Box was advertised this week with 36 apprenticeships per year expected to follow as well as a Lifeguard Academy at the Aquatics Centre.

The position was that of General Manager, which hosted handball, modern pentalon, fencing and goalball during the Games, on a basic salary of £37,440 to £40,560 per annum.

The chosen candidate will work closely with the London Legacy Development Corporation to run the arena - the third largest in London - as a successul business while ensuring the entire community benefits from the facilities.

Dennis Hone, interim chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “This is the first of many jobs on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

“We anticipate up to 8,000 jobs will be delivered on the Park over the long term. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will begin to open on July 27 2013 and the Copper Box will be the first venue to open to the public.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of this new place of the city. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will be no ordinary park with iconic venues and exciting attractions sitting alongside new homes, schools and businesses it will be both exciting new visitor destination and community park.”

Peter Bundey, director of GLL, said: “Whatever the role, there’ll be a higher than normal expectation on the individual - but the opportunity to work in either venue is fantastic and truly unique within the sports and leisure industry.”

The other 78 jobs will be advertised throughout 2013 in the relevant trade press and, where appropriate, the national media, and GLL’s website www.better.org.uk.