The project has been mired in problems in the run-up to the Beijing Games.

 

First, after replacing Ken Livingstone as the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson cut £1.2 million from the £4.6 million budget for the London House and said he had considered axing it altogether.

 

The cutbacks included stopping 18-trained Gordon Ramsay chefs who were due to provide catering for visitors and guests travelling to work there.

 

Then the House found itself homeless after the Chinese authorities informed organisers that they could no longer use its orginal site at Ritan Park, a picturesque landmark in the heart of Beijing, as planned, for security reasons.

 

Now relocated by the London Development Agency (LDA) in the fashionable Shi-Chai-Hai district of the Chinese capital it is due to open on Thursday, the eve of the opening ceremony.

 

During the Olympic Games, it is hoped key corporate, political and sporting figures will attend a range of events designed to promote the best of what London has to offer across business, tourism, higher education and the creative industries.

London House will be used as a venue for business seminars and networking opportunities.

 

It will also house press conferences and media opportunities with key figures, including Johnson and Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012.

 

The events due to be held there include a series of Think London business seminars and dinners with Samsung, Bank of China and Metcom; Film London showcasing London’s expertise in post production; Visit London hosting an open day highlighting why London is a top tourist and cultural destination and Study London demonstrating the capital’s unrivalled student offer.

Events will culminate in a high profile Olympic Handover celebration on August 24 when London officially becomes the next Host City.

Johnson said: "As the next Host City of the Olympic Games, London’s presence in Beijing is a fantastic opportunity for us to gain vital experience for the 2012 Games and will be a showcase to the rest of the world what London has to offer as a city.

 

"I look forward to going out to Beijing and doing my part to promote London as a destination in which to do business, visit and study in and, of course, to receiving the Olympic flag at the Handover ceremony."

Harvey McGrath, the chairman of LDA, said: “London House is a unique opportunity to promote London’s diverse offer on a world stage as a place to visit, study, invest and do business.

 

"We want to maximise the benefits of the Olympics coming to London in 2012 by promoting inward investment and building on our global relationships in vital emerging markets such as China.”