What's in store for Greenwich in 2012

Greenwich is looking forward to an exciting year in 2012.

This year brings many thrilling events and changes which will involve everyone who lives in, works in or visits the borough.

2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Local residents will be able to cheer on the Olympic Torch as it is carried through the borough on 21 July 2012, en route to the Olympic Stadium.

Olympic events will then run from July to August and Paralympic events from August to September.

Greenwich will host 34 events in nine sports across three venues in the borough:

• Greenwich Park - equestrian events and modern pentathlon
  
• Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich - shooting events
  
• The North Greenwich Arena (The O2) - gymnastics and the basketball finals.
  

Royal status

In recognition of the area's royal connections through history, the Queen has bestowed royal status on the borough of Greenwich.

The borough will be known as Royal Greenwich to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

There will also be a special double Bank Holiday on 4 and 5 June to mark national celebrations.

Tourism and attractions

Visitor attractions and hospitality in Greenwich continue to develop and expand.

New hotels planned for the borough will ensure that available accommodation increases fourfold over the next year or so. Three boutique hotels have been granted planning permission, with at least one, in Greenwich town centre, due to open in the first half of 2012.

In Cutty Sark Gardens, the world-renowned clipper ship will reopen in April. It is located in the centre of a refurbished urban open space, which is attractively landscaped with spaces for performances and events that will enhance the area's excitement for visitors and local residents.

The refurbished Greenwich Pier, through which thousands of visitors arrive in Greenwich each day, will open this year, as will London's first cruise liner terminal at nearby Enderby's Wharf - accommodating luxury cruise ships from around the world.

The Council has established the UK's first Digital Enterprise Hub in conjunction with Cisco and Ravensbourne College.

The £4.7 million Playground to Podium fund has seen play and fitness facilities spring up across the borough for use up to and beyond 2012. The Council has invested in these facilities to inspire people to get more active and increase sport and physical activity in the run up to and beyond 2012.

As a living legacy for future generations the Council is also planting 2012 new trees in the borough to create a permanent and growing commemoration of Greenwich's role as a host for the 2012 Games.

And there's more...

Other highlights planned for 2012 include:

• The Greenwich Festivals will run throughout 2012, including the popular comedy festival, jazz festival, Greenwich and Docklands International Festival and events for families and children.
• The world-famous London Marathon passes through the borough on 22 April, televised around the world.
• A major new exhibition at the National Maritime Museum - Royal River: Power, Pageantry and the Thames - runs from 27 April and will be open to the public throughout the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
• The Olympic Torch convoy will tour the borough on the morning of 21 July, with celebrations held in Greenwich, Eltham and Woolwich town centres
• The inaugural Sail Royal Greenwich will take place from 25 July to 12 August – during which 20 tall ships will ply a scenic route along the Thames, taking in many famous highlights of London and offering a daily spectacle during the Olympics. Sail Royal Greenwich will offer corporate clients the opportunity to entertain guests onboard a beautiful tall ship, showcasing the best of what London can offer.