The Great North 2040

The Road to 2040

A bid becomes possible through staged choices, coalition-building, and a formal next phase. Here is the path from vision to reality.

From Vision to Reality

Fifteen years is not a long time to change a region. It is exactly the right amount of time to prepare one.

The road from a compelling vision to a credible candidature runs through coalition agreements, feasibility evidence, test events, formal IOC dialogue, and a legally binding guarantee package. Every stage has a purpose. None can be skipped.

The Milestones Ahead

What Happens Next

Four priorities for the next phase

01

Commission a formal feasibility study

An independent, comprehensive assessment covering venues, transport, accommodation, governance, sustainability, and legacy. This is the bridge between vision and bid — the evidence base that makes everything else possible.

02

Build the coalition

Regional leaders, combined authorities, the BOA, UK Sport, and DCMS. No Olympic bid succeeds without unconditional political backing across every level of government. The coalition must be broad, formal, and committed.

03

Establish governance principles

A Northern Host Partnership that protects every cluster — including the North East — with defined programme commitments, transparent budgets, and a formal role in decisions that affect venues, investment, and legacy outcomes.

04

Begin evidence gathering

Transport modelling, venue audits, sustainability baselines, cost estimation, accommodation capacity, and public sentiment research. The IOC's Continuous Dialogue rewards hosts who arrive with evidence, not enthusiasm alone.

The North is ready to make the case.

The question is whether we are ready to build it together.