Politics · United Kingdom · 7 hrs ago
Government to study a possible Northern Olympics bid for the 2040s
The government plans a £7 million study of whether northern England could host the Olympic Games in the 2040s.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey back exploring a “Northern Games,” with the fund due to be announced in the Budget on Wednesday, October 28.
The proposal would spread the Games across northern cities, rather than holding them in one place.
The government, UK Sport and Northern Mayors will carry out the study, with input from the British Olympic and Paralympic associations.
It will assess venues, transport, costs and the chances of success, as well as how communities might benefit.
The idea follows an initial assessment of possible costs and benefits requested by the government in May.
The study is not a decision to bid, and no host plan has been confirmed.
London last hosted the Olympics in 2012; past Olympic bids by Birmingham and Manchester were unsuccessful.
The government plans to announce a £7 million fund for a feasibility study into a possible Olympic Games bid in northern England.
The study will examine venues, transport links, costs, the chances of a successful bid and how communities could benefit.
The proposed “Northern Games” could take place in the 2040s or later.
The announcement is expected in Chancellor John Healey’s Budget on Wednesday, October 28.
The idea was put forward by Northern Mayors and backed by former Olympians including Laura Kenny and Sarah Storey.
- Who
- The government, UK Sport and the Northern Mayors will carry out the study, with input from the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association.
- What
- A £7 million fund will support a feasibility study into a possible Olympic Games bid for northern England.
- When
- The announcement is expected in the Budget on Wednesday, October 28. The Games could be held in the 2040s or later.
- Where
- Northern England.
- Why
- To assess whether a bid is viable, including its costs, venues, transport needs and potential benefits for communities.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The government asked UK Sport to make an initial assessment of the possible costs and benefits of a bid.
Athletics Weekly and the BBC reported plans for a £7 million feasibility-study fund.
The fund is expected to be announced in the Chancellor’s Budget.
A “Northern Games” could take place if a bid proceeds.
- Proposed fund
- £7 million
- Possible host region
- Northern England
- Possible Games timing
- 2040s or later
- Budget announcement
- Wednesday, October 28
- Study partners
- Government, UK Sport and the Northern Mayors
3 sources
What people are saying
Few things bring a country together quite like the Olympics.
The Games would unlock opportunity across our towns and cities for the whole country.
Britain’s experience of London 2012 is proof we can host the world.
Just do no harm