Our unique role in London 2012’s legacy
Lee Valley Regional Park Authority is a major player in London 2012’s sporting legacy. We own three of the most successful Olympic legacy venues in the world – Lee Valley VeloPark and Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Lee Valley White Water Centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire.
Below you’ll find information about these inspiring venues which have welcomed over 13.5 million* visitors. Discover how we are keeping the magic of London 2012 alive and changing lives through thrilling live sports events and exciting programmes and initiatives.
Our story
Our experience in delivering ground breaking sports venues in the 1970s and 80s paved the way for our vision for a ‘Zone of Sporting Excellence’ in the Lee Valley with world class venues drawing visitors from across the region and beyond. This vision not only included the community-centred Lee Valley Athletics Centre which opened its doors in 2007 but also plans for leading edge cycling and white water centres – long before the notion of London hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was even raised.
A ready-made legacy partner
Lee Valley Regional Park Authority is the London 2012 sporting legacy partner. We were part of the journey from the very beginning contributing land, expertise, existing plans and enthusiasm. We oversaw every stage of our three venues’ business modelling, design and build from London’s Olympic Bid to the post-Games environment, ensuring that their legacy uses were incorporated from the start.
Find out more about our unique contribution to London 2012’s sporting legacy here.
Our London 2012 legacy venues
At a glance:
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13.5 million have come to our three legacy venues
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1.8 million have taken part in hockey, tennis, cycling and white water activities
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35 major international events, 660,000 spectators, 9,500 free community tickets
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24,000 people from disadvantaged groups have engaged in funded programmes
Lee Valley VeloPark
Following an unforgettable role in London 2012, history was made when Lee Valley VeloPark opened its doors in April 2014, becoming the first place in the world to offer four Olympic cycling disciplines in one place.
This iconic venue has reached millions of people through community activity and international events, catering for first time riders through to those at the peak of the sport and spectators watching their heroes in action.
Fact file
Download our fact file to find out more about this iconic venue.
Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre
London 2012’s only purpose-built Paralympic venue hosted sell out crowds during the Wheelchair Tennis events. By June 2014 it had evolved into a thriving community sports hub and is now home to six hockey teams, nine university clubs and endless tennis players.
Boasting top-tier hockey pitches it's no wonder the ‘Wembley of English hockey’ has hosted prestigious international events like the Vitality Women's Hockey World Cup, which drew over 120,000 fans!
Extensive tennis opportunities across four indoor US Open Standard courts and six outdoor courts cater to all comers. As a regional hub for disability tennis, the community-centric and inclusive programme includes Wheelchair Tennis, tennis for mental health and dedicated over 50s sessions.
Fact file
Download our fact file to find out more about this iconic venue.
Lee Valley White Water Centre
The only brand new London 2012 venue to open before the Games, and the first to re-open in record breaking time just six weeks afterwards, Lee Valley White Water Centre was designed for legacy.
Consistently rated as the best white water centre in the world and home to the GB Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross team, this world class attraction offers adrenalin charged experiences and hosts international events alongside programmes for schools, clubs and communities.
Legacy doesn’t stand still
Step inside our three venues and it’s hard to believe they’ve been here since 2012.
Continual investment is at the heart of their ongoing success. We’re constantly improving, enhancing and innovating to deliver top-notch facilities and new experiences for local, regional and international audiences.
Changing lives
Our legacy venues are transforming lives. From opportunities to try a sport for the first time to providing training facilities for underrepresented clubs who are now thriving and life changing funding for disadvantaged and disability groups – check out our case studies.
Be part of the action
We know that some people find it hard to afford to get to Lee Valley Regional Park or pay for activities, so we created two programmes to remove these barriers where we can.
Are you a not-for profit, registered charity, voluntary, school or community group based in London, Essex or Hertfordshire? You may be eligible for our Community Access Fund or Active Communities Grant Scheme. These programmes have already provided life changing experiences for over 24,000 people from hundreds of groups across London, Essex and Hertfordshire. Start your journey here.
* Figures as of March 2024