The Nigerians want to use Newham’s Theatre Royal Stratford East and surrounding cultural quarter for general frivolity and "to promote their film industry in conjunction with successes at the Games".
The Theatre Royal Stratford East has a range of rooms and a 465-seating auditorium. The space around it, known as the Cultural Quarter, will be used for marquees and tents. That Newham should become the based for Nigerian celebration makes sense – the Borough has a large Nigerian population and often hosts parties on Nigerian independence day.
Already an Olympic host borough, Newham is set to house a swathe of additional Olympic activity, having brought in property consultancy Capita Symonds.
Alongside the Nigerians, Chinese Official Ticket Retailer Casa Touristic is working with the Chinese NOC for media and relations base, which will also be housed in Newham. The BBC, Locog and various campsite operators have also shown interest.
According to Capita Symonds, Newham’s schools, civic buildings, community centres and open parklands are all likely to be filled for the Games. Stratford’s Old Town Hall, which seats 400, and multi-storey car park are, though, still available for use in 2012.
To leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.