(ATR) Russia's Olympic organizers have been dealt a major blow after Westminster City Council rejected their ambitious plans to build a Sochi 2014 party venue in central London ahead of next summer's Games.
Unveiled by Sochi 2014 chiefs in April, the proposal was for a development at Marble Arch to promote the Winter Olympics in London from May to October. It called for an ice rink arena with 725 seats, an arts and culture pavilion and a hospitality venue.
Sochi World was to have staged ice-shows and cultural events and was expected to attract 8,150 visitors per day.
But a recommendation was made Thursday to reject the plans on six grounds following widespread opposition from police, transport authorities, English Heritage and conservation experts. They cited traffic congestion, excessive pedestrian crowding, security and environmental issues among their concerns.
Seen by Around the Rings, the planning document says that Sochi World would be vulnerable to a terrorist attack. It states that the Metropolitan Police have voiced "strong objections", claiming there is "a lack of counter-terrorism measures" in the proposals.
The recommendation also said that Transport for London's objections on traffic congestion were "heightened" due to the fact that the Olympic Road Network would be in operation.
"Disruption to the ORN would have a seriously detrimental impact on the legal commitments TfL has to deliver in terms of stated journey times during the Olympics," it said.
London mayor Boris Johnson has directed the city council to refuse the application.
The council's planning committee is expected to formally reject the proposals at its meeting on Nov. 3.
With just 274 days until the London Olympics open, Sochi 2014 chiefs now face a race against time to find a suitable alternative site to stage their showcase for Russia's first Winter Olympics.
An official with the Russian Olympic Committee tells ATRthe plans will be amended to move the activities away from Marble Arch but keep them in the Hyde Park area, intentions confirmed late Thursday in a statement from the organizing committee.
"Following dialogue between ourselves, Westminster City Council and the Metropolitan Police, we respectfully acknowledge the recommendations made regarding the plans for Sochi.Centre. We understand the concerns that have been raised and have always looked to ensure the considerations, safety and enjoyment of both Sochi.Centre visitors and local people are at the forefront of our minds," said Sochi 2014.
"We are now working to revise our plans, in close partnership with all stakeholders, and address the concerns that have been raised. Our aim remains to showcase Sochi 2014 at an innovative and imaginative venue during London 2012, while ensuring the needs of Games visitors and local people are fully met."
Reported by Mark Bisson
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