Brown Says Expensive Olympics Will Boost London

English Prime Minister Gordon Brown is confident that the 2012 Summer Olympics will bring a big economic benefit to London. But with costs rising beyond expectations, some are skeptical of the PM's prediction.

1 minute read

September 5, 2009, 11:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

He said the games would create not only temporary event-based jobs, but a long-term positive impact on the city's economy.

"Construction on the Olympic Park, which organisers call the largest building project in Europe, is on track to be completed ahead of schedule.

However increased venue costs have contributed to the overall Olympic budget spiralling from the initial estimate of 2.4 billion pounds ($3.9 billion) to 9.3 billion pounds.

The British taxpayer has had to step in after private funding partners for two of the biggest venues, the Olympic village and media centre, struggled to secure commercial financing in the credit crunch."

FULL STORY: Brown Says London 2012 to Fuel Regeneration

Thursday, September 3, 2009 in Reuters

Community / Economic Development Infrastructure Urban Development United Kingdom Jobs London Olympics Unemployment 2012 Olympics View More

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