UK Sport to study northern England Olympic bid for 2040s

The government has asked UK Sport to carry out an initial strategic assessment of a possible bid for the north of England to host the Olympics and Paralympics in the 2040s.

The funding agency will examine whether the UK could stage the Games for the first time since London 2012, along with potential costs, socio-economic benefits and the likelihood of success.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told BBC Sport that the north had long been told the Olympics were too big to host there. She said it was time the Games came north and that the region could deliver an outstanding event.

Nandy said the study would examine the investment, resources, infrastructure and transport required. The findings will decide whether to move to a full technical feasibility study, with any final decision resting with the British Olympic Association.

In February, northern political leaders urged the government to base any future Olympic bid in the region, citing existing elite venues, major stadia and arenas. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan had previously said he wanted the Games to return to the capital.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness welcomed the move and said the region stood ready to develop a credible plan for the International Olympic Committee.

A survey after London 2012 found more than two-thirds of the public believed the £8.77bn cost was worth it, despite the final figure being three times the original budget. The Games helped regenerate east London and supported the economy, though they did not produce the hoped-for rise in sports participation.

Nandy said the study would identify potential sites, including for athletics, and that any bid would use existing infrastructure where possible. She pointed to projects such as the new Everton stadium as evidence of what the north can deliver.

The International Olympic Committee has shown openness to multi-city or regional bids to limit new spending. Nandy said the north must prove it can host the Games and that the government is committed to making it happen.