Stratford’s Olympic Legacy
As Team GB racks up its gold medals in this summer’s games, we explore the impact of London 2012 on Stratford, East London
The 2024 Paris Olympics are in full swing, with 10,500 athletes competing across 32 sports for a place on the podium. Coppermaker Square’s residents got into the sporting spirit with an Olympics quiz and watch party for the quirky opening ceremony along the River Seine. Since then, Team GB secured its first gold medal in equestrian eventing, closely followed by a raft of wins across the games, from mountain biking and swimming to shooting.
After Team GB rose to the occasion at London 2012 to win 65 medals – our most successful Olympic Games since 1908 – the impact of the home games on Stratford has been far-reaching.
Before the games, this part of London was dominated by empty industrial units, wasteland and Stratford’s towering fridge mountain. The development of the now famous Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park changed that, attracting huge investment to the East London neighbourhood, and helping to transform it into a diverse and thriving place to live.
First class sports venues
Today, those living in Coppermaker Square’s premium rental apartments in Stratford have some of the world’s most iconic and state-of-the-art sports and cultural venues on their doorstep. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is home to no fewer than five sports facilities, alongside idyllic parklands and the UK’s tallest sculpture, the 114.5m high ArcelorMittal Orbit.
London Stadium
Now home to West Ham United, the London Stadium played a major role in London 2012, from Danny Boyle’s memorable opening ceremony to the magic of Super Saturday – when Jessica Ennis-Hill, Greg Rutherford and Mo Farah all took golds in track and field. Apart from the football, it now hosts major athletics championships and sell-out music events.
Copper Box Arena
Host of handball, modern pentathlon, fencing and goalball during London 2012, the ‘box that rocks’ is now one of London’s most flexible indoor venues. With retractable seating for up to 7,500 spectators, it hosts a wide range of sporting events all year round – from badminton and boxing, to gymnastics – as well as concerts, exhibitions and conferences.
London Aquatics Centre
This visually stunning building inspired by the concept of moving water, saw Tom Daley win his first Olympic diving medal in 2012. Today, it offers the public one of the world’s best swimming and fitness facilities with two 50m pools, a dedicated dive pool and a 100-station gym. So you can swim in the pools of champions for the same price as a dip at your local leisure centre.
Lee Valley VeloPark
If cycling is more your speed, take a short stroll to Lee Valley VeloPark, home to the velodrome where Sir Chris Hoy and Laura Kenny won gold. It’s the first place in the world where you can try four types of cycling – track cycling, road racing, BMX or mountain biking. And if you don’t have your own two wheels, bike rental is also available.
Elite Sports Venue
Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre boasts two hockey pitches, four indoor and six outdoor tennis courts for the public to use all year round. If you’re looking to hone your ball skills, set up a game with a friend, book an activity session or sign up for lessons.
First-class amenities
Coppermaker Square’s own health and wellbeing facilities are another great place to train – whatever your fitness goals. Our luxury pool and spa provide residents with the perfect place to swim and relax with a sauna or steam room session. If you want to work up a sweat, head to our premium gym, yoga and spin studio or book one of the many classes available through the exclusive resident app – from pilates and yoga, to weight training. Those looking for a more tailored plan can arrange a one-to-one session with our in-house personal trainers.
To find out more about our premium apartments and the premium amenities we offer, book your viewing today.