Weymouth and Portland may have enjoyed seismic shocks of delight when the announcement that they would host the sailing events at the 2012 Olympics was made last July, but since then has anything really changed in the area? The answer is yes, things are changing, with varying impacts to local people... Positive The status of this area of South Dorset has been greatly boosted, with such a prestigious event has come a tremendous amount of kudos.
 | | The National Sailing Academy |
The Sailing Academy at Portland is one development which has benefitted from the news. Given a multi-million pound revamp, the new academy will play host to the cream of the world's sailing talent at the games, while providing local schools and organisations with world-class facilities to use on a more frequent basis. According to a report from Dorset County Council, it has been calculated that the new academy has prompted business and commercial interest worth in the region of £6m each year to the local economy. And the plan is currently on track according to the centre's development director John Tweed. "We need to ensure we're getting more people into sailing, that we're having world class events here, and that we're providing a resource for the community, and a way of generating economic activity for the area and all of those things we're doing at the present time." Regeneration Many local businesses have benefitted from the fever surrounding the games, with the regeneration of the area's old naval areas one of the most lucrative developments taking place. Andrew Coupe is a director for Southwell Business Park, a retail and industrial area built on the site of a former torpedo manufacturing and testing site. They've found that since the announcement demand for their sites has grown rapidly: "The whole effect of the Olympic boom has increased our confidence that there is a superb opportunity for us. It has increased the pace of our development plans." Sporting achievements The town love-affair with sport has also been strengthened, with Weymouth and Portland now desirable locations for marine events and competitions.
 | | Great scenery makes for excellent sailing! |
One such event is the Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships which take place in July 2006. This most prestigious event sees the best of the young sailors competing at the new academy from 62 nations. With the football club flying high and offshore sailors such as Steve White also representing the area, sport has become another string to the region's bow. The downside... One of the biggest problems for local people has been the prices of housing, with younger residents finding it difficult to buy in the area they grew up as house prices remain restrictive. The announcement of the Olympics coming to Dorset has only further fuelled the price rises, as even the most humble of beach huts and one-bedroom apartments in the region become immensely desirable. Another key factor for local people is transport. Dorset remains a largely rural county, and preparing Weymouth and Dorchester, let alone the access points, for an invasion of spectators, athletes and officials will take considerable time and money to put into place. What do you think? Got an opinion? Why not tell us your views in the feedback form below... | 
