Millennium Experience (Hansard, 1 December 1997)

§ Mr. Mandelson

When the Government announced in June its decision to go ahead with the Millennium Experience at Greenwich, it was on the basis of 5 clear commitments. One of these was that there would be a lasting legacy. The Government remains determined to secure long-term benefits for the nation from the Millennium Experience, and has sought outside advice on how to maximise these legacies. Earlier this year the Government invited Mr. Dennis Stevenson to assess the prospects. I am extremely grateful to Mr. Stevenson for the advice which he has now provided, and am pleased to place in the Library of both Houses a copy of a letter to me summarising his conclusions. His analysis, which the Government accepts, shows first that a number of valuable legacies can already be identified. Specifically, 3W the Millennium Experience is acting as the catalyst for English Partnerships' reclamation of derelict and polluted riverside land at Greenwich—a site of a size and potential unique in Western Europe; providing the platform for the pioneering Millennium Village launched by the Deputy Prime Minister in July; stimulating improvements in public transport, Thames river services, roads, and pedestrian walkways on the Peninsula; and using the Dome to promote national awareness and long-term taking-up of IT based learning, for example through the University for Industry and the National Grid for Learning.

There is a range of possible long term uses for the Millennium Experience Dome itself. These include developing the Dome as: a new arena for participation and spectator sports; a TV or film production studio and visitor centre; and using the site for a large scale international convention centre. These ideas serve to illustrate the Dome's future potential, and reflect the steps which have been taken to ensure the Dome can have a long life. Commercial interest in acquiring the Dome is, however, likely to be maximised in 2000, when it can be seen successfully in operation, and when commercial and popular awareness of the site is at its height. The Government will therefore decide on the Dome's long term future at that time. Meanwhile, I invite those with serious interest in the Dome's future use to register their ideas (which should not involve additional cost to the Exchequer) and to hold exploratory discussions with us. Proposals may either be for its use at Greenwich (where in 2000 it will occupy a 40 acre site) as a complement to English Partnerships' high quality and lasting development of the Peninsula, or for its transfer to another part of the United Kingdom.