The masterplan will provide the design framework needed to transform 1,500 acres in one of the poorest parts of the UK into a suitable location for the greatest sporting show on earth. It will set out the location of the key Olympic facilities, and their relationship with transport, public spaces, the local ecology and landscape. Deadlines set by the International Olympic Committee mean the masterplan must be in place by January 2004.

The Lower Lea Valley runs north south from Stratford to Canary Wharf and, although situated just three miles from Central London, it contains some of the most deprived communities in the UK. Research suggests that regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley could potentially create around 40,000 new jobs, 30,000 new homes and 1,000 new businesses.

Earlier this year, the London Development Agency started land assembly and remediation programme which will be essential for the successful delivery of the Games. It has already purchased key sites in the Lower Lea Valley including the purchase of the disused Hackney Stadium site.