Event-Led Regeneration: Sustainable Development and Stakeholder Decision-Making in London 2012 Olympic Games

Abstract

Hosting mega-events as a competitive city strategy has become increasingly popular, but it raises critical environmental, social, economic, and urban risks. While such events are used to promote cities, stimulate local economies, and regenerate post-industrial areas, they also reveal tensions between pro-growth agendas and sustainable development imperatives. This paper explores the contradictions through the case of the London 2012 Olympic Games, focusing on regeneration in the Lower Lea Valley. The study highlights how many mega-event strategies overlook local cultural values, emphasizing external visitors and short-term branding. Research methods include document analysis, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, and field observations. Findings underline the importance of inclusive approaches to ensure sustainable mega-event regeneration and provide insights for evaluating long-term impacts on communities and urban development.