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Bisley faces being shot down as 2012 Olympics venue
Matthew Beard04.03.09
A proposal to move the 2012 shooting events from Woolwich to Surrey looks almost certain to be rejected, the Evening Standard has learned.
National shooting federations have always been keen to hold 2012's shooting events at the National Shooting Centre in Bisley and it was the choice when the Olympic bid was made.
However, the International Olympic Committee, favouring a more compact Games, opted instead for the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich which shooting groups argue will not leave a legacy in the form of an international standard shooting range.
Last summer Woolwich was included in a government-commissioned cost analysis of temporary venues and the estimated costs there almost doubled to £42 million because of security and difficulties in accommodating the space needed, which is large for an Olympic event.
The Olympic board agreed to look again at Bisley and at the end of last year inspectors from the Olympic Delivery Authority, who are responsible for building the venues, visited the site near Woking.
They were told by the Bisley-based National Rifle Association that the event could be staged there at a maximum cost of £30 million.
But Games chiefs are now expected to rule out relocating the events to Bisley, insisting that Woolwich is cheaper in the long run because creating a satellite venue 50 miles from London would add to the bill for athletes' accommodation and transport.
The final decision rests with the Olympic board, which consists of Sebastian Coe, head of 2012 organising committee Locog; Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell; Mayor Boris Johnson; and Colin Moynihan, chairman of the British Olympic Association.
It will meet a week before the IOC's deadline of the end of this month for confirming the choice of 2012 venues.
An Olympic source said: "The decision will come down to cost and it would be more expensive to move it to Bisley than keep it at Woolwich. There has been a rigorous process of looking at the alternatives."
The ODA has also identified a brownfield site in Barking with potential to host a purpose-built shooting venue.
After last summer's cost analysis, by accountancy firm KPMG, the Olympics board decided there were no savings to be made by moving equestrian events from Greenwich Park or basketball heats from a temporary arena in the Olympic Park.
However, Locog is in talks with Wembley Arena's owners about moving badminton and rhythmic gymnastics there from a planned temporary venue next to the O2.
Reader views (14)
I totally disagree with Richard from Chelmsford.... I Don't think barking has any future as an Olympic sport. Much too Ruff.
- Kev, Berkhamsted Herts
Could someone explain to me exactly what the London Borough of Merton has to gain from these Olympics? We are paying but will gain nothing as it seems that South London is not"in the loop" for it.
Amber in Mitcham
- Amber In Mitcham, Mitcham Surrey
I would like to see the opportunities of the Games spreading further into Essex! The Games celebrates London but was bid for on behalf of the whole country!
Barking to me sounds like its got real potential. Its got great transport links and I cant imagine this sort of site would cost anywhere like the huge and spiralling cost of Woolwich! £42 million is a huge waste, yes it would provide an iconic backdrop but with no lasting legacy!
- Richard, Chelmsford, Essex
The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD) would be honored to host the shooting venue.
LBBD presented the Olympic Delivery Authority with an excellent case for siting the venue within the borough; which is both cost effective and provides an enduring legacy.
We plan to host the event at a new shooting venue, which will be built on a 150 hectare site, which incorporates a 2.5 km stretch of the River Thames.
Also, if the design of the shooting venue allows, we will look to relocate it after the games to our Becontree Heath sporting hub, to replace a venue our local gun clubs will be losing in 2011; leaving a lasting legacy for the sport and the Olympics in our borough.
- Rob Whiteman, Chief Executive, London Borough Of Barking And Dagenham, London, UK
Lets have a have a legacy in Barking. It would help smarten the area up and kick start the planned housing. Getting more local people involved in the excitement of the greatest sports event on the planet is a must. Nick
- Nick, Barking London
Surely the site in Barking would present an excellent and, I suspect, reasonably costed option, and would enable the benefit of compactness (not being too far from the Stratford centre).
- Alan, London, England
The cost of a new venue at Greenwich for the games could keep Bisley going for another 50+ years why waste yet more money on something we already have when it could be spent on keeping what we have for much longer?
- Mike, London England
'However, the International Olympic Committee, favouring a more compact Games'..., which is why they'll be staying in Mayfair, when the games are in Stratford.
- Mdj E10, london, uk
So much for the leqacy argument for the games! It doesn't matter how expensive it is to do it elsewhere but we can't have shooting at Bisley and leave a legacy!
- John Whitby, Peterborough, Cambs
A political decision - Patrick of Dalston, a bull's eye.
- Titas Tenex, Ely, England
Shooting in London seems quite a popular pastime from what I've seen and read.
Does the location make much difference?
- Steve, London
It costs around £15 for a travelcard rail ticket from Waterloo to Brookwood (which is a 5 minute walk to the Bisley shooting ground). You don't even have to change trains. I hardly think that's exhorbitant. Bisley also provides accommodation on site (it does need upgrading but surely that's been included in the £30m estimate) so why can't the shooters be based there - why do they have to be based in East London unless they are competing in the 100m sprint as well as the shooting. There's more to this than meets the eye.
- Isabel, Woking
Why not in Peckham or Newham - Lots of shootings there already.
- Fly, london
The real reason they do not wish to use Bisley is that permanent facilities for shooting would remain after the games, and shooting these days in England is not an acceptable sport to the lefties.
- Patrick, Dalston
