The Olympic and Paralympic Games could be hosted in the north of England in the 2040s under a Labour government plan, which has entered its initial assessment phase. The government has tasked UK Sport with evaluating the costs, socio-economic benefits, and feasibility of such a bid, as part of broader efforts to drive regeneration through sport.
Assessment Phase Underway
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the commissioning of UK Sport to conduct the assessment, marking the first step toward a potential bid. If successful, it would be the first Games held in Britain since London 2012. Nandy emphasized the transformative power of the Olympics, stating: "London 2012 showed what the Olympics can do for our country. It inspired a generation through sport, attracted huge investment, and showed the best of Britain to the world."
Addressing Historical Disparities
Nandy criticized the long-standing perception that the Olympics are too big for the north of England. "But while the north of England has driven so much sporting excellence, no matter the talent we produce, the sporting moments we create and the world-class events we attract – for too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the north," she said. "Not any more. It’s time the Olympics came north and we showed what we can offer to the world."
Next Steps
The initial assessment will determine whether a more detailed technical feasibility study is needed, examining costs, benefits, and viability. Any final decision on a bid would rest with the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association.
Historical Context
Manchester previously bid for the 2000 Olympic Games but lost to Sydney. Documents from the National Archive revealed a comment by Damian Green, then a policy advisor to Prime Minister John Major, who said the reason was "obvious": "No one in their right mind would spend three weeks in Manchester rather than Sydney." Green later reflected in 2019 that he was glad to be wrong, noting Manchester's successful 2002 Commonwealth Games and its urban renewal. "Manchester has become a lesson in urban renewal and I have learned not to be cynical," he said.
