O2 green-lit for 2012 basketball and gymnastics
The O2 arena will host the artistic gymnastics, trampoline, basketball and wheelchair basketball during the 2012 games.
Temporary structures will be built to manage vehicle and pedestrian access at the venue, which will be known as the North Greenwich Arena during the Olympics.
On the same night that it approved use of the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich for shooting and archery, Greenwich Council's planning board cleared the use of the O2. The site will be used until September 31 2012, and is expected to return to its original form by the end of the year.
Council leader Cllr Chris Roberts said: "Greenwich Peninsula is a key regeneration area and the Olympic and Paralympic Games will increase the profile of this area and provide the local economy and community with further opportunities.
"There are a number of exciting developments on the Peninsula. The development of London's newest business district, the opening of Ravensbourne College, a further phase of The O2 and more than 10,000 new homes.
"Hosting these prestigious sporting events here demonstrates the success of Greenwich Council and its key partners and stakeholders in transforming this area and developing one of the most successful entertainment venues in the world today."
Perimeter fencing will be set up around the O2, comprising of existing and temporary fencing and building frontages.
Following consultation, the Environment Agency confirmed it had "no objections" while Transport for London was "satisfied there will be no permanent impact on the transport network". The Westcombe Society looked for assurances that events at the arena would not clash with those at Greenwich Park, because of the "adverse effect" it would have on traffic.
No comment or objection was received from any of the 1,240 residents informed of the move.
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Read The Wharf E-Edition
O2 is a great stadium and all, but it killed Michael Jackson, and as such it should be bulldozed.