Locog close in on housing for 2012 sailors in Portland

LONDON 2012 have confirmed they are in contract talks to house sailing competitors in a low carbon development at Officer's Field, Portland.

HIGH HOPES: After scooping six medals, including a third consecutive gold for Ben Ainslie (above), in Beijing, the British Sailing team will have high expectations at 2012 (Getty Images)

The Olympic and Paralympic sailing competitions will take place at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy in Osprey Quay, Portland, with an estimated 1050 sailors, coaches and officials in attendance during July and August 2012.

And with ZeroC Holding's 77 unit development, which started construction in September 2009, also situated on the Quay, Locog were keen to secure the location for 2012.

Locog chairman Lord Coe admitted the sustainability of the homes, which, as a Level 4 development, will reduce carbon emissions by more than half compared to conventional new properties, was a key factor in their decision.

"This development offers consistency with the standards being achieved in the main Athletes Village in Stratford, and will be a great home for the athletes at Games-time," said Lord Coe.

"We are confident that making temporary use of a permanent facility which is very much part of the impressive regeneration of Portland is the right solution for athletes and for Portland in the long term."

ZeroC Holdings managing director Kim Slowe admitted the marriage suited both parties: "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to develop high-quality sustainable housing for Portland.

"The area is highly attractive with the 2012 Games bringing excellent facilities and much needed investment.

"The housing is located next to world class leisure facilities and some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the UK."

The houses will be made ready for sale and occupation following the Paralympic sailing competition with a quarter of the units set to be used as affordable housing under registered social landlords and the remaining 75% sold privately by ZeroC.

And Weymouth & Portland Borough Councillor Howard Legg, briefholder for Special Projects and 2012, insisted a permanent housing scheme would be beneficial to the region.

"We welcome this news," said Legg. "Having the sailing athletes accommodated on land in a sustainable housing scheme which will bring long term benefit to Portland is preferable to a temporary cruise ship.

"Given the current down turn in the housing market, this also means extra properties, including affordable housing, for the Island sooner than might otherwise have been the case."