BEM Closedown evaluation and legacies B Lim Sei

BEM - Close-down, evaluation and legacies (B) Lim Sei Kee @ c. K

Introduction �Events leave a legacy. �This may be in personal memories or friendly social contacts made at the event, or it may even be items / merchandise. �It may be transient or long-lasting. �Either way, some thought should be given the setting of objectives at the beginning, to the legacy.

Divestment and legacies – what is it? �Divestment �Dispossess of property �Legacy �Anything passed down from the past

Divestment �Many �Some events are repeat editions, others are not. events are designed for a single ‘onetime-only’ purpose; �some do not normally recur in the same place twice; �some events leave only social legacies.

�If the event has been a one-off, regeneration or re-use, the divestment needs to be planned. �Handover: site must be given over in the condition that the original objectives intended, or that the plans specified. �It will be essential to hand over not just the site, but also the knowledge that goes with it, about its nature, utilities, environment, problems and limitations.

Post-event use of venues �Re-use sites to create employment and other positive development outcomes �Retain part of the site as public open space parkland or nature reserve �Create residential housing

�Re-use varies according to what facilities were provided for the event. � 2002 Commonwealth Games @ Manchester: primarily in sporting and leisure facilities.

Legacy �Events of all sizes can leave a legacy. �Legacy is that which is handed down from the past. �Legacy planning takes place ahead to ensure that what is left is of benefit to the event’s stakeholders especially the host city and local community.

Legacy An event legacy can be a more inclusive and sustainable society and economy. �Lasting legacies may include �physical infrastructure; �enhanced capacity in the region. �Enhanced capacity in the region can include new skills, new jobs, enhanced awareness, and new business opportunities.

Legacies �The legacies of many kinds of events may not be conceived in physical terms. �Leverage and legacy opportunities need to be planned rather than left to chance or assumed that they will automatically flow from the event itself. �Creating a positive and lasting legacy requires deliberate effort, strong leadership, sustained commitment and attention.

Conclusion �A well structured and managed leverage and legacy plan is essential to ensuring event organizers, key partners and investors get the most out of an event. �An event which achieves widespread engagement and delivers enduring benefits will receive significant coverage and live long in people’s memories.