The Mayor’s key reason for backing London’s bid was to see the huge regeneration of the East of London, he said.

 

The Lower Lea Valley where the Olympic Park is currently being constructed is already set to benefit from 50,000 new homes over the coming decade of which around a half will be affordable.

 

In addition major infrastructure improvements are taking place across the Capital’s transport network as a direct result of staging the 2012 Games.   

 

However the Mayor said wants to ensure there is an enduring legacy that transforms and regenerates the East of London, as well as spreading the benefits of 2012 to the rest of London.

 

This will be achieved, he claimed, by delivering as many opportunities as possible for Londoners and promoting London as a whole with all it has to offer to the rest of the world.

 

The Mayor’s five legacy commitments are to: increase opportunities for Londoners to become involved in sport; ensure Londoners benefit from new jobs, business and volunteering opportunities; transform the heart of East London; deliver a sustainable Games and develop sustainable communities, and; showcase London as a diverse, inclusive, creative and welcoming city. 

 

The commitments are accompanied by a progress report on what is being achieved which the Mayor proposes to update for Londoners each year.

 

Livingstone said: "When we host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, we will welcome the world to London and celebrate our fantastic city with its unique vibrancy and diversity and show the rest of the world why it is the best in the world.

 

"However the success of London 2012 will be judged not just by how many medals we win, but also by the legacy and the benefits we deliver for the whole of London.

 

"I am pleased to see that the legacy has already started.

 

"Through the various programmes we have established many Londoners are benefiting from an increase in sporting opportunities, developing new skills, finding employment and generally taking advantage of the opportunities that London 2012 is delivering.

 

"My overriding commitment to Londoners is to build on this success’

 

Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, said: "'We always said the London 2012 Games were about more than just a summer of sport.

 

"We want to deliver a truly sustainable legacy from hosting the Games in London.

 

"Four and a half years out from the Opening Ceremony, this publication showcases how all the partners are working together to deliver this legacy now and for long after the final race has been run.'

 

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said: “London 2012 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve society and transform the lives of millions.

 

“In London, this will mean the regeneration of the East End, creating jobs and building homes and an environment to be proud of for decades to come.

 

“I welcome the GLA’s (Greater London Authority) legacy commitments published today which will turn this ambition into reality. Combined with our own legacy action plan due to be published shortly, we will ensure that the whole of the UK realises the benefits the Games offer.”