World Class White Water Centre Opens

Published on 9 December 2010

“The best venue of its type in the World”, was how Sports Minister Hugh Robertson described Lee Valley White Water Centre following the official opening of the facilities by The Princess Royal on 9 December 2010. Princess Anne, President of the British Olympic Association started the first race on the brand new 300 metre Olympic Slalom Canoe Course.

Olympic athletes joined sporting celebrities including Lord Sebastian Coe and local civic leaders from Essex, North London and Hertfordshire for the opening of the Centre 85 weeks before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Situated on the boundary between Waltham Abbey in Epping Forest District and Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire, the £31 million project is the first entirely new facility to be opened in anticipation of the Games. Delivered on time and within budget, John Armitt Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority described it as “World Class - the best in its class”.

Residents of Epping Forest District could not be better placed for the Olympic Games. Spectators will be encouraged to use public transport, with the district’s central line stations offering access to Stratford in a few minutes. Proposals are also being drawn up to make North Weald Airfield the hub of a Park and Ride service for the canoeing events at the Lee Valley White Water Centre. To the east of the District, Hadleigh Farm in Thurrock will host the Mountain Bike events at the very end of the Games.

Councillor Anne Grigg Chairman of Epping Forest District Council and Olympics Champion Councillor Liz Webster were among the invited guests at the White Water Centre. Councillor Webster said: “We were blown away. Lee Valley White Water Centre is going to be a fantastic venue for the Olympic Games. Seeing members of the British Team come down the rapids in their canoes and rafts was terrific. However, the importance of the centre goes well beyond the training of the British Olympic Team and the hosting of the Olympic Games.

Councillor Webster continued: “We also have a facility right on our doorstep for the whole community. We estimate the Centre will attract up to 70,000 visitors a year, bringing a massive boost to the local economy for decades to come. While the focus at the Games will be canoeing, people of any ability and experience will be able to enjoy the adrenalin rush of white water rafting. We are promised the Centre will also be available to our local community with young people particularly getting the opportunity to experience the thrills of rafting and canoeing.

Councillor Webster concluded: “I would like to congratulate Lee Valley Regional Park, the Olympic Delivery Authority and everyone involved in the construction of what I believe will become an Iconic Olympic venue."

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