Beyond the Games - East London after 2012
"...a world class visitor destination for London and an exciting new place to live and work..."
Now that the dust has settled on a hugely successfully Olympics, the Olympic Park is undergoing some very exciting developments to cement its legacy on London, which is highlighted in more detail below.
In the meantime, the area still has plenty going on with the impressive Westfield shopping centre in Stratford providing the hub of activity, particularly in the lead up to Christmas, and Refresh has some stunning properties to offer nearby - contact us to discuss your requirements! 
Westfield Shopping Centre
Westfield Stratford City was opened in September 2011 and is the largest urban shopping centre in Europe. This year, global superstar Rihanna switched on the Christmas lights and performed some of her hits to thousands of adoring fans and shoppers. If you were not lucky enough to attend the event, the lights will be shining until into the New Year and there are a host of other festivities to keep you entertained, including:
Outdoor ice skating; Santa’s Grotto (including the UK’s first ever 5D film!); Feed the Reindeer and In-store Festive Fun at the Disney Store!
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Opening from July 2013, accommodating five new neighbourhoods with new family homes and job opportunities, and incorporating some of the country's best sporting facilities with hundreds of events planned per year, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will have something for everyone.
Click here to take a 360 degree tour of the Park!
Community - There will be five new neighbourhoods built on the Park accommodating up to 8,000 new homes - the emphasis being on family homes of three beds or more – with community facilities built into the plans, including 12 new schools and nurseries, three health centres and a new library. Add to this some of the best sporting facilities in the UK, at prices which are affordable to all and the Park becomes a place that continues the sporting and healthy lifestyle traditions set by the Games.
Business - The north-west of the Park, bordering the emerging district of Hackney Wick, will be transformed into an all encompassing 91,000 square metre commercial district, generating up to 8000 new jobs. This will be built around the existing Press Centre and Broadcast Centre, and include a conference centre and pedestrian square, along with cafes, restaurants and bars. With two of the world’s commercial hubs - the City of London and Canary Wharf - just four stops away by rail and tube, the Park will become a natural location for businesses to set up and thrive.
Sport - The Park's five state-of-the-art sporting venues - the Stadium; Aquatics Centre; Multi-Use Arena; the Lee Valley VeloPark and the Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre - will provide exceptional training facilities for local people and visitors, and will also become centres of excellence for elite athletes, continuing the sporting legacy of London 2012.
Events - The Park will become London's most diverse events destination, hosting various activities and festivals to headline concerts and major sporting events - both the 2015 European Hockey Championships and the 2017 World Athletics Championships have already been confirmed, and the inaugural London Cycling Festival in 2013 is set to become as big an event as the London Marathon in years to come. There’ll be something new and unforgettable every time you visit!
ExCel Exhibition Centre
Located in Docklands, a stone's throw away from the Olympic Park, ExCel London is hosting many exciting events of it's own in the coming months:
Taste of Christmas - From 7th to 9th December 2012, taste your way around the world as top London restaurants and world famous chefs cook up seasonal specials that will get your taste buds tingling!
BBC Sports Personality of the Year - On 16th December 2012, rounding off a phenomenal year of sport with a star-studded line up of medal winners and sporting heroes, the BBC’s celebration of sporting achievements will broadcast live from ExCel London.
London Boat Show 2013 - From 12th to 20th January 2013, London's biggest and best-loved boating experience returns to ExCel London bringing a host of great attractions and activities. View our dedicated London Boat Show page for more information!
Refresh Accommodation - Stratford and Docklands apartments
Refresh has a variety of apartments located in and within easy access of the
Docklands and Olympics Park locations. See some of our featured properties below or
contact us to discuss your requirements and to make a booking - our booking/rental procedure is efficient and easy, and we do not charge a fee for our service!
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- Our completely free service, with no hidden charges and additional payment options to companies (on application – Terms and Conditions apply)
- Dedicated account managers - a single point of contact to deal with your enquiries and bookings
- Hand picked accommodation, specifically chosen for quality and service
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The latest news in and around London, details of exhibitions, Refresh Recommendations and new apartments and web site features...
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Stratford Bellhaven apartments is a new development of luxury apartments was constructed
to meet the increasing demand for top-quality accommodation close to the Olympic Stadium, without the City price tag, while still offering easy access to Central London and Canary Wharf.
View Stratford Bellhaven - Docklands, Docklands London
The Gower Street apartments are located in refurbished 200 year old Georgian Town Houses in the heart of Bloomsbury, central London. The property offers a range of one, two, and three bedroom apartments, within walking distance of many famous London landmarks, and transportation links including Euston, Russell Square and Holborn.
View 43-45 Gower Street - Bloomsbury, City and East London
Dreamhouse Edinburgh Holyrood encompasses modern and sleek one and two bedroom apartments in The Park development, located on the doorstep of the stunning Holyrood Park, and a short stroll from Scottish Parliament, the Palace of Holyrood House and ‘Our Dynamic Earth’. Each apartment offers a contemporary style with comfortable furnishings, modern appliances and spacious rooms throughout. Many of the apartment have their own balcony and the property features a secure underground car park.
View Dreamhouse Edinburgh Holyrood - , Outside of London