Mayor finalises Olympic Park MDC decision

London mayor Boris Johnson has confirmed a decision to set up a new corporation to take over responsibility for the regeneration of the Olympic Park following the 2012 Games.

The Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), which is aims to be directly accountable to Londoners through the mayor, will be called the London Legacy Development Corporation.

Due to open on 1 April, the new MDC will continue the work of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) and will also manage some of the assets of other regeneration agencies.

Johnson also confirmed that current OPLC chair Baroness Margaret Ford will be appointed interim chair of the new MDC until after the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Building on the momentum already created by the Legacy Company we are on track to grasp this unique opportunity and harness the Olympic legacy," said Johnson.

Baroness Ford added: "The next phase of the legacy work, including major transformation plans to the Park, are critical and will require a great deal of attention."

Meanwhile, the mayor has also urged Londoners to take advantage of a wide range of free sporting activities that are to be made available across the capital.

A new marketing campaign will outline the sports on offer at more than 130 sites throughout London as part of the GBP35m Sports Legacy Programme, which aims to get more Londoners active in the run up to and beyond the 2012 Games.

The mayor has awarded GBP142,000 towards a StreetGames project to set up YUSport hubs in eight London areas, including estates in Enfield, Haringey and Bromley.

Details: www.legacycompany.co.uk