Olympic Dreams

Andy Burnham and Steve Rotherham are looking at putting together an Olympic bid to bring the games back to the UK, probably in 2040. The redevelopment of Old Trafford into the Olympic Stadium is likely to be central to that project, especially as Sebastian Coe is leading the stadium redevelopment project. Sadly, Jim Radcliffe's recent remarks on immigrants risks making the concept toxic. Should public money might be used to redevelop a stadium that would be for the benefit of US investors, (more interested in wealth extraction rather than football), and a UK tax exile? The public are not going to wear that. These remarks also offend against everything that the Olympic spirit represents. Remember Mo Farah winning gold in 2012?

But it would be a shame if billionaire football club owners were to get in the way of an otherwise good idea. Manchester’s Olympic bid for 2000 did result in the 2002 Commonwealth Games and a measure of regeneration, including Manchester City’s new ground. The lessons learnt were also used to help the successful London bid for 2012. Bringing in Merseyside and other northern areas would make for a more credible offer with wider regeneration opportunities. Economic growth has been strong in Manchester these past 20 years, it is time to spread things around a little. Liverpool already has venues that could host many of the Olympic sports. More visitors and an athletes’ village would spur further investment. You never know, some of it might even reach Birkenhead!

So, what could an Olympic games mean for Wirral? What sports could Wirral look to host and share in some of that Olympic glory. Golf (probably), Hoylake has successfully staged the Open on 3 occasions now. There might be competition from Birkdale, but Southport could be compensated with other events. But golf wouldn’t bring anything new, no lasting legacy. What has Wirral got that others don't have? When it comes to looking for a venue for sailing, surely West Kirby would be out on its own. Significant investment would likely be needed to raise the facilities to Olympic standard, but that investment would also leave a legacy. It would also put West Kirby on the map alongside Weymouth and Portland as a venue for international regattas.

So don't stop dreaming, because dreams can come true.

Simon Holbrook

Simon Holbrook was a Liberal Democrat Councillor for Prenton from 1999 to 2011 and Deputy Leader of the Council from 2008 to 2011.