Sochi’s Marble Arch Celebration During London 2012 Rejected
October 28, 2011
Russia’s proposal to turn historic London monument Marble Arch into a party venue during next year’s Olympics to promote the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi has been rejected by London authorities.
Sochi organizers had unveiled plans to install an open-air ice rink in front of the location at the entrance to Hyde Park.
Police, transportation and local government officials have opposed the plans, citing concerns over safety and overcrowding.
Westminster Council director Rosemarie MacQueen said in a statement to The Associated Press that the council recommended that “this particular planning application should be refused.”
The decision is set to be ratified at a planning meeting next Thursday.
The Sochi organizing committee says “we understand the concerns that have been raised” and “are working to revise our plans.”