Shard developer appointed to Southwark’s Olympic legacy group

Last week Southwark Council announced it had set up two groups – a delivery board and a capital legacy group – to make sure residents and visitors to the borough have the complete London 2012 experience.

Olympian and former cycling world champion Tony Doyle MBE will chair the new Olympic Delivery Board.

"Southwark is in a really enviable position when it comes to the Games, with a location that will attract unprecedented numbers to the borough, and now with shadow Olympics minister Tessa Jowell on board," says Doyle.

"I'm convinced these Games could be among the best attended in living memory and I will make sure we make the most of this amazing opportunity."

Members of the delivery board include Donald Hyslop from Tate, Clive Pankhurst from Volunteer Centre Southwark, Chris Sanford from Community Action Southwark and Beverley Julien, pro vice chancellor of London South Bank University.

At the same time the council has pledged to create a £2 million 'legacy fund' which will lead to investment in sport and cultural projects across the borough.

The legacy group charged with raising the cash will be chaired by council leader Peter John and its members include Dulwich & West Norwood MP Tessa Jowell and James Sellar of Sellar Property Group.

Members of the public are being encouraged to get involved in helping decide how this funding can be spent.

"The Olympic buzz is well and truly gaining pace, and today we're letting everyone know what we're aiming to do, and how we aim to go about it," says Cllr Veronica Ward, Southwark's cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport and the Olympics.

"But we're also keen to hear from everyone in Southwark, whether they, live, work, or study in the borough, on how they would like us to use this legacy fund. I'm really pleased we have someone with the passion and insight of Tony to help us do this."