From 'Event-led' to 'Event-themed' Regeneration: The 2002 Commonwealth Games Legacy Programme

Abstract

Hosting large events has long been associated with the physical regeneration of cities. To supplement these 'hard' impacts, cities are now attempting to use events to stimulate 'softer' social and economic regeneration. This paper evaluates the impacts of the Legacy Programme adopted in conjunction with the 2002 Commonwealth Games held in Manchester, UK. Alongside its emphasis on social and economic regeneration, this programme was unusual in that the projects were games-themed, rather than being directly linked to the event. Despite some concerns about the organisational structures employed and the sustainability of impacts, target beneficiaries have received valuable assistance from the programme. Thus it appears that there are valuable lessons that other cities can learn from this example of event-themed regeneration.

Leveraging sport mega-events: new model or convenient justification?

“…This leaves organisers prone to accusations that leverage is merely a form of tokenism used to fend off criticism of event spending, rather than an integral part of the event project. Manchester's leverage initiatives delivered in association with the 2002 Commonwealth Games have been praised for their innovative and progressive approach and their positive outcomes (Smith and Fox, 2007). But the cost of these initiatives was £17.7 million (Smith and Fox, 2007) -a relatively small figure compared to the capital investment in venuesestimated to be c.£200million (Gratton et al, 2005).…”

“…These effects often rely on parallel initiatives that are pursued in conjunction with an event, with event connections used to boost funding, participation and publicity (Smith and Fox, 2007). This approach is particularly justifiable if the levered benefits relate to the pre-existing goals.…”

Journal of Tourism & Hospitality

“…Turin was innovative in also setting up a Festival Bureau for Piedmont [38]. An event-themed, rather than event-led, approach facilitates a broad range of regeneration outcomes, whilst capitalizing on event links to generate interest and participation [31]. The cases of Athens, Barcelona, Turin have shown the different approaches to the importance of tourism for local economies.…”

“…Tourism is often viewed as one of the benefits from organizing mega-events, and a potential for long-term return on investment. Destinations "unsatisfied with their role merely as cultural celebrations or athletic endeavours, cities are using sport events strategically to achieve urban regeneration" [31]. By hosting a mega event, local authorities are able to promote and regenerate infrastructure of the destination due to the vast investment which is made available [32].…”

Dislocation and Uncertainty in East Manchester: The Legacy of the Commonwealth Games

“…The social impacts of the Games divide opinion even further. For example, according to Smith and Fox (2007) the Commonwealth Games provided a uniting theme for regeneration to take place and the Legacy Programme paid admirable attention to 'soft' regeneration alongside the physical redevelopment of East Manchester. The authors write that New East Manchester promoted a 'considered approach' to the 'needy beneficiaries' but could have gone further in their efforts to involve local communities in the planning and implementation of some programmes (2007:1140).…”