Westfield signs as London Olympic sponsor
Published: 08 September, 2011
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has confirmed that Westfield has become the latest sponsor of London 2012 in a tier three deal.
Westfield becomes the Official Shopping Centre Developer of London 2012. The deal means that LOCOG has passed its domestic sponsorship target of £700m.
Westfield’s 1.9 million-sq ft Stratford City development is directly adjacent to the Olympic Park and it is estimated that three quarters of spectators will pass through it on their way into the Park at Games-time. Opening on 13 September this year, the retail and leisure destination is the largest urban shopping centre inEuropeand offers spectacular views of the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre which are only a short walk from the centre.
As part of the deal Westfield will be home to the first ever TeamGB and ParalympicsGB merchandise shop which will open later this month. The shop will sell a wide range of TeamGB and ParalympicsGB souvenirs, which as part of the London 2012 merchandise programme is expected to raise more than £80m towards the staging of the Games.
The John Lewis store at Westfield Stratford Citywill also house a 4,000 sq ft space dedicated to London 2012 merchandise.Westfield will also provide facilities to LOCOG to support the operational running of the Games. Last month it was confirmed that Westfield Stratford Citywould host TeamGB and ParalympicsGB throughout the Games in a stunning eighth floor venue overlooking the Park.
Michael Gutman,Westfield’s managing director forUK, Europe and new markets, said: “We expect that Westfield Stratford Citywill enhance the whole Olympic experience in the period leading up to and during the Games as well as providing a unique boost to the legacy for many years beyond as well.”
LOCOG’s target was to raise between £650m and £700m from domestic sponsorship towards the staging of the Games. The sponsorship programme began in 2007 and Westfield becomes the 44th domestic sponsor to sign up, taking LOCOG beyond the £700m mark.
