What is the Difference Between Stratford Before Olympics and After Olympics 2012?

The difference between Stratford before the 2012 Olympics and after the Olympics is significant, with numerous changes made to transform the area. Some of the key differences include:

1. Urban regeneration: Before the Olympics, Stratford was a neglected area with a 20-foot-tall "Fridge Mountain" on a brownfield site. The Olympics motivated renewal in the lead-up to the tournament and investment in the years following.
2. Infrastructure improvements: London City Airport, Stratford International station, the Jubilee line, and Westfield shopping center were already introduced before the Olympics. However, the 2012 Games added an extra level of quality and magnificence to what was built, as well as intangibles of excitement and local self-esteem.
3. Property price growth: Stratford has outperformed the rest of the capital with a property price growth of up to 71% since 2005. The Olympics contributed to this growth, making the area more desirable for residents and businesses.
4. Population growth: More Londoners are said to live east of Tower Bridge than to the west, with a population that's set to flourish even more as 42% of all new housing in London is now being built in East London.
5. New attractions: The Olympic Park area has become a popular destination, with attractions such as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the ArcelorMittal Orbit.

Overall, the 2012 Olympics transformed Stratford from a neglected area into a vibrant and connected part of London, with significant improvements in infrastructure, property values, and population growth.

Comparative Table: Stratford Before Olympics vs After Olympics 2012

Before the 2012 Olympics, Stratford was a district in London that lacked proper infrastructure and had poor environmental quality. The area was chosen to host the Olympics due to its potential as an important transport node in London and its need for urban regeneration. After the Olympics, Stratford underwent significant changes, which can be summarized in the following table:

The 2012 Olympics brought many positive changes to Stratford, such as improved infrastructure, better public transport, and a more attractive town center. The Olympic venues, including the Olympic Stadium, Hockey Centre, and Olympic Village, were built within the district, transforming the area. The Waterworks River, which was previously polluted, was cleaned up, and the area became more visually appealing.

However, the regeneration also brought some disadvantages, such as increased property prices and potential gentrification. Despite these challenges, the 2012 Olympics left a lasting legacy on Stratford, with the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park becoming the largest urban park in the UK and a symbol of the area's transformation.