On Tuesday a team from Estates Gazette went to Trident Studio's in Soho to record an Olympic park reunion podcast writes Molly Goring. The discussion included some of the key figures involved in the London 2012 bid back in 2005: ex-mayor Ken Livingstone, former EG editor Peter Bill, Nigel Hugill then managing director of Chelsfield and former Stanhope chair, Sir Stuart Lipton. It was chaired by EG editor Damian Wild.
Finding the venue initially proved difficult but we were guided by the array of photographic lights and the bustle of people whispering excitedly 'That's Ken Livingstone!' The photo shoot for the magazine took place in an alleyway just opposite the studios and for a while the guests posed for both our camera man and the members of the public keen to get a snap of the ex-mayor.
After the glamour of the photo shoot was over we moved inside to the studio and got down to the nitty gritty. While the sound director frantically adjusted and flicked switches the men laughed and chatted amongst themselves about the football results.
The debate was started by questions about their reactions to winning the bid. They explained that they were much more confident about their chances than the press seemed to publish. However, the key theme of this meeting was a discussion about the future; something that is mentioned less often when talking about London 2012.
Sir Stuart Lipton mentioned his worries about the future and his belief that the site needs to be used to benefit the local people in order for it to be a success.
After about 45 minutes the chat drew to a close and all of the men seemed happy to get their worries off their chests. As a work experience student, this day was a totally new experience and one I will definitely never forget!
*Look out for EG London supplement on July 14 for a feature on the reunion and the podcast*
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