Hackney: a host for 2012

The elected Mayor has clear priorities from hosting the Games. These include: better public transport, securing the legacy use of the media centres, creating a new neighbourhood at Hackney Wick, delivering jobs for local people and work for local business, showcasing our strength in the arts and culture, boosting the local economy by bringing new visitors and investors here, and making sure the Games help us positively change perceptions of Hackney.

Major opportunities exist, and local expectations are high. It′s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Hackney: the place and the people

The London Borough of Hackney sits in the heart of East London, on the edge of the City. For centuries it has been a location where people from all over the world have settled, making it the culturally vibrant place that it is today.

The borough has something for everyone: from the trendy bars and restaurants of Shoreditch in the South, to the tranquil parks and independent retailers of Stoke Newington in the North. There is a thriving arts and music scene, an array of street markets and the best cuisine from all over the globe.

It is a place where you can hear 100 different languages spoken and the place that over 200,000 people call home. There are a number of large scale regeneration projects on the go.

The £1 billion scheme to regenerate Woodberry Down has just been approved and the East London Line extension will bring our first stations on the tube map, along with opportunity and investment.

Hackney is a proud and committed host borough for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. You will help ensure our 2012 agenda is delivered and that we secure the best possible long term benefits for Hackney.

The message is simple: Hackney - the place and its people - has a huge amount to offer.

Hackney: the Council, our team

Hackney′s directly elected Mayor Jules Pipe is the Council′s political leader and sets the priorities and budget.

Over the last 5 years Hackney Council has undergone a transformation and is now one of the most improved authorities in the country.

Following a series of low increases Council Tax has been frozen for three years running, alongside significant investment in services.

With clean streets and rocketing recycling rates, GCSE results up 73.6%, crime down 32%, five new secondary schools and record increases in resident satisfaction, Hackney is fast becoming East London′s best borough in which to live and work.

Hackney: some facts and figures

Hackney pride: people love living working and visiting here. More than 30,000 Hackney residents wear their I Love Hackney badge with pride.

The right direction: 91% of our key performance indicators have improved over the last 3 years.

Olympics: we are host to 30% of the Olympic zone including the International Broadcast Media Centre and Press Centre.

Regenerating and rebuilding: the Olympics, Dalston, Woodberry Down, new schools, reviving civic buildings and much more.

Safety first: crime in Hackney has dropped by 32% in the last 3 years, the fastest drop in London.

Park life: Hackney has more parks and green spaces than any other inner London borough.

London Fields Lido: our open air swimming in the heart of the capital is a splashing success.