The Great North shoots its Olympics shot
Mayors across the North of England are pushing for a 2036 or 2040 Games bid from the UK government, pitching the region as the host location in an effort to boost regeneration.
In a letter addressed to secretary of state for culture, media, and sport, Lisa Nandy, they wrote: “This is not about starting from scratch.
“The North already has many of the foundations in place to deliver a world-beating Games, with transformational impact for the whole of the North.
“Across our regions, we collectively offer elite sporting venues, established transport hubs, accommodation capacity, and world-class broadcast facilities…
“A Northern-based Olympic Games is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate regeneration, rebalance the economy, and reset international perceptions of England.
“Delivered across Northern city-regions, a Games could act as a catalyst for long-term investment in transport, skills, housing, grassroots sport and cultural infrastructure – like the successful regeneration of Liverpool Docks to create the Hill Dickinson Stadium – leaving a legacy that reaches far beyond the closing ceremony.”
The request follows the International Olympic Committee’s growing support for multi-city bids, as well as the North’s increasing roster of hosted international events, such as the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Euro 2028 matches, Ashes Tests, and The Tour de France.
- Agree in principle that any future UK Olympic and Paralympic bid is anchored in the North of England;
- Support proportionate feasibility and preparatory work in partnership with Northern Mayors and Leaders;
- Align early on the legacy objectives of any bid, ensuring long-term benefit for Northern communities, including a plan to redistribute more major events to the North as a catalyst for jobs, regeneration, and attracting more visitors.
Proven benefits
The benefits of hosting a successful Olympics was made clear during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which generated substantial economic and tourism benefits, both during the event and in the years that followed.
In the short term, increased visitor spending during the Games delivered a net boost of around £600m to the UK visitor economy.
Beyond tourism, Olympic-related trade and investment activity helped UK businesses secure new contracts and inward investment, with government figures reporting around £9.9bn in economic benefits within the first year after the Games.
Longer term, construction of the Olympic Park and associated infrastructure contributed approximately £7.3bn in GVA to the UK economy and supported tens of thousands of jobs.
Independent evaluations commissioned by the UK government estimated that the total legacy impact of London 2012 – including tourism growth, trade, inward investment, and urban regeneration – reached £41bn in GVA by 2020.
What the Mayors say:
Chair of The Great North and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Bringing the Olympics to the UK would unite the North and the whole nation, bringing people together and unleashing a groundswell of pride in our places.
“The Olympics create a legacy like no other, with game-changing investment in jobs, regeneration and transport, creating opportunity for people across the North.
“As Mayors and leaders we are ready to deliver, now we need national Government and sporting bodies to match our ambition: The Olympics would be our moment for the North to stand tall on the international stage.”
Luke Campbell, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, said: “Winning gold at London 2012 is one of the proudest moments of my life. The whole country came together as one, and it meant everything to me to represent our nation on the world stage – and show that someone from Hull can go all the way.
“Bringing the Olympics to the North isn’t just about sport. It’s about giving our kids something to aim for, creating real opportunities and showing the world what this part of the country has to offer.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games would be a defining moment for the North and we are confident our bid would make for a compelling proposition. Much of the infrastructure is already in place, our facilities are second-to-none, and we have a track record of hosting major global events.
“It would also be a powerful opportunity to unlock future growth, building on the North’s existing strengths and accelerating investment. For Greater Manchester, the 2002 Commonwealth Games marked a real turning point. It sparked transformative regeneration and economic growth, changing how people felt about our city region and how the world viewed us.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “From Eurovision to The Open, EURO 2028, The Grand National and the Tour de France, the North has been warming up on the world stage for years. A homegrown Olympics would be our moment to go for gold.
“With the government’s commitment to invest in Northern Powerhouse Rail, strong partnerships across the North, and a region brimming with energy, creativity and ambition, together we have the potential to host a Games that the world would never forget.
“A Games rooted in the North would be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to bring the Olympics closer to ordinary communities that have too often felt like they’ve been left out of the national story. Just imagine how it could inspire a whole generation of kids in Bootle, Barnsley, and Byker who deserve to feel that buzz on their doorstep.”
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard said: “South Yorkshire has a long, indelible sporting heritage. We’ve been at the centre of global sport for generations. Sheffield is the home of football, where the original rules were written, and for 50 years we’ve proudly hosted the World Snooker Championships. We don’t just take part in global sport, we help shape it.
“From Seb Coe to Prince Naseem Hamed to Dorothy Hyman to Kevin Keegan to Jess Ennis-Hill, we’ve given the world some of the world’s biggest and best sporting success stories and most exciting moments.
“With the English Institute of Sport, the Olympic Legacy Park and Ponds Forge right at the heart of our region, we have world‑class facilities that define the success of athletes today and inspire the next generation to dream bigger tomorrow.
“And now we’re ready to welcome the world; and to make sure the benefits of hosting the Olympic Games are felt in every corner of our communities – leaving a lasting legacy of better health, happier, more active children and young people, and a region more confident in our own future.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “We have the sporting heritage, transport hubs and an internationally renowned brand.
“Northern areas like Yorkshire have pulled its weight at every recent Olympics. We always bring home the medals. Now it’s time to bring the Olympic flame home too.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve already shown what we can do on the world stage by successfully hosting major international events like the Tour of Britain and the Rugby League World Cup.
“Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool have delivered world-class events and with our passion, talent and proven track record, we have everything needed to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the north of England – and to do it properly.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “A Northern Olympics would help us showcase our sporting prowess and proud record of producing champions. It would be a real catalyst for investment, jobs, opportunity, and true national renewal.
“We have the venues, we have the talent, and we have the ambition – let’s bring the Olympics to the North and prove that when we’re backed, we deliver.”
Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board, said: “Cheshire and Warrington is the gateway to the North for the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond.
“With exciting future investment in our transport infrastructure, and with rich heritage of grassroots and elite sporting success, not to mention our unrivalled quality of live and natural beauty; we stand ready to play a central role in the North’s and the country’s story. That’s why we’re proud to contribute to any future bid to bring the international spectacle and community benefits of the Olympic Games to the North.”
Cllr Stephen Atkinson, chairman of the Lancashire Combined County Authority, said: “A Northern‑based Olympic Games would be a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity bringing great opportunities and benefits to the region.
Cllr Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, and Cllr Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council, both constituent councils in the soon-to-launched Cumbria Combined Authority, said: “Already this year we have been able to announce that one world famous sporting event, the Tour de France, is heading to Cumbria and the north of England in 2027, so we should continue to aim high.
“It is unlikely that, stood alone, any city or county could have realistic hopes of pulling off such a major coup. But the combined ambition and offer of the authorities across the North of England is a far stronger proposition and we stand ready to engage with Government on working up a proposal that could have generational impact and legacy for our entire region and the country as a whole.”
Sir Brendan Foster CBE, Founder of the Great North Run, said: “I wholeheartedly support the Mayors’ ambition for the North of England. However, this is about more than an Olympic bid. It’s about delivering a fairer distribution of major international sporting events across the country.
“Obviously iconic sporting occasions like Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, Lords Test matches, and the London Marathon are rightly celebrated in the nation’s capital, but when the government is financing hosting global sporting events, they should have a balanced national approach as their guiding principle.
“The North of England should play a central role in hosting world and European level football, rugby, cricket, and multi sport events, and should clearly have a strong presence at the decision making table.
“That is only fair and represents the significant interest and contribution the North has always and will always make to British sport.”
Easy to see what would happen here – Steve agrees to all the events being in Manchester apart from the extremely prestigious tidly winks final (so Andy said).
By Anon
Hey Google, what’s the best way to con neighbouring mayors into backing a bid for billions of public cash for the creation of my trophy stadium quarter? Must revolve around me while giving impression of sharing.
By Major Burnem
Perfect vehicle for Burnham to segway government funding into a new Man Utd stadium and surrounding village under the guise of “the great north”. I’m sure residents of the various other northern cities won’t be fooled.
By Anonymous
We have stunning scenery for non-stadia events. Imagine the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales being a backdrop for these.
By Elephant
Displacement activity. Olympics widely acknowledged to be a financial millstone around the necks of all recent host cities
By The Blob
This will only benefit Manchester, remember the Commonwealth games.
Rotheram is a fool to be part of this
By Liverpolitis
Sounds very interesting!!
By Jack
Manchester games then…
By Obvious
Would have to guarantee investment in the north so for that reason I would be for it would be an unbelievable opportunity fir us up here
By Anonymous
Liverpool says NO
By Anonymous
Of course Burnhams co dependant Rotheram will happy clap this all they way just like he is with a new rail line direct to Manchester Airport while completely neglecting his own growning airport and the new everton stadium (bendy buses are not a legitimate transport solution). With friends like Rotheram who needs enemies.
By Anonymous
Looks like more time and money are about to be wasted on plans for something else that will never happen just like mayor Rotherams other fantasy namely the Mersey tidal barrage.
By Brendan R
Taxpayer funds for a new Manchester United stadium that will be used for Olympics is whats going on here. Steve Rotheram being played like usual.
By Gary
Short memories on this thread. Those two failed Manchester Olympic bids got the Arena and the Velodrome built, and exposed the next generation of city leadership (Leese and Bernstein) to competing against the top tier of international cities, and to plan and reimagine the city. The came the IRA bomb.
By Rich X
Sadiq Khan announced in April 2025 that London could pitch in for the 2040 Games. The North should pitch for the Games. The current Winter Olympics demonstrates that multi site can work.
However, if 2040 was to work it will require the recently announced Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) proposals to be radically rethought as it is the movement of spectators that, along with sufficient hotel beds, is key to putting a credible bid together.
Maybe if someone had woken up 9 months ago, raised the flag then and lobbied for a set of NPR proposals that aligned with any bid the North might have a chance. Somehow with this Government going down the toilet we should rethink 2040 and pitch for 2060!
By Anonymous
It would be amazing to have the Olympics back in the UK, but lets be realistic, Olympics are events in cities, not regions. I would love to see it in Manchester as one of the only plausible host cities, with the new Man U stadium being used to host. I’m not biased, I grew up in London and saw the effect the Olympics had there which was incredible and would love to see that replicated in Manchester (I am neither a MUFC or WHUFC fan I promise!). If Manchester was chosen as host, it could and should be a catalyst for HS2 all the way to Manchester which should then link into Northern Powerhouse Rail, ideally one connected system! The only other place in the north I think could realistically host is Newcastle and their new stadium as a venue, but Manchester is much more realistic.
By MC
On the basis this is a games for the whole north.if the stadium is built in Liverpool manchester or leeds each major town should be able to host 1 event within reason and they finally give the north the travel infrastructure it deserves
By Anonymous
The paranoid post from the scouse contingent and the anybody but United brigade is staggering. Manchester does have some excellent facilities including the velodrome, indoor arenas and the construction of a new stadium is an opportunity but other cities in the north also have great facilities. Liverpool have an excellent indoor arena and a new football stadium, Leeds have an arena and Elland Road is just about to be redeveloped, Sheffield has an excellent swimming pool and many indoor facilities, Newcastle are building a new football stadium and I’m sure the likes of York and Hull would want to throw their hat in the ring. An Olympics in the North would benefit all the regions and we should all embrace this possibility.
By Anonymous
@MC – No offence but you are talking rubbish. Liverpool or Leeds could easily hold the Olympics justbas easilly as Manchester, while Newcastle is probably the least capable with Sheffield being more suitable. Neither Newcastle or Man Utd actually have a new stadium BTW and Newcastles ground if it is ever redeveloped is too hemmed in to be an Olympic stadium and would have to be 100% rebuilt to accommodate the track and field. Manchester has a velodrome that can host cycling and has a couple of football stadiums and a couple of arenas. Well Liverpool has an arena that has hosted the world amateur boxing championships, World athletic championships etc., has 2 football stadiums, one of which is cutting edge and the newest in the country. Also has a racecourse that holds the world’s biggest and most famous national hunt race every year for eventing, a couple championship golf courses that have both held the open numerous times, a lot of enclosed water, thousands of hotel rooms, a fast rail and road link to Manchester Airport as well as it’s own international airport. Not to mention and international tennis tournament every summer, has held the Euro vision song contest, has held numerous international events like the tall ship round the world race, vRious giants events, is one of the most visited cities in the country by international tourists, has a cruise liner terminal in the middle of the city centre, an amazing food scene, an iconic grade one listed exhibition hall called St George’s Hall and an enormous dock estate ripe for development. It also happens to be 40 mins from Manchester and 30 from Chester and North Wales for more extra accommodation. But maybe you’re right because you’ve said it even though you were born in London.
By Anonymous
Olympics in the north would be great, however a games spanning from Liverpool across to Hull and Newcastle is not really geographically feasible. A two or three city bid does stand a chance for example Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds could put up a credible bid as could Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield. Newcastle, Hull and Leeds might have an outside chance but that bid would probably lack the sporting infrastructure needed.
By Anonymous
Wowwww.A huge outpouring of negativity. But what an opportunity to showcase the North to the world…
By Bloomin' 'eck
Manchester on the beg to government for another football stadium, quelled surprise.
By Anonymous
Hey Google, what’s the best way to build nothing and blame neighbouring cities for our own demise? Must revolve around me while giving impression I care about other places.
By Major Duh Lu Did
I thought this was a joint bid between Liverpool and Manchester. As some have said Olympic Games are based in cities not regions and the idea of Liverpool and Manchester hosting it, is because they are relatively close and have excellent facilities. Incorporating Newcastle into this is all very noble but what could be done there, which couldn’t be done in Liverpool and Manchester? The North West has two airports, it has a huge motorway network. It has the Ship Canal for the Rowing, a coast for sailing, a velodrome, huge football arenas, high hills for road cycling, The opening and closing ceremonies could be split between the two cities. It is almost ready now, with a bit of an update of the facilities and some new venues.
By Elephant
Rowing on the Manchester Ship Canal – er not wide enough!!! Not unless there are plans to widen it that Peel have not yet announced.
Somewhere in the Lake District might be a better option!
By Anonymous