Energetic plans to work in the Games

Richard Cutcher • Published 13 Jun 2012 13:30 0 Comments

ENERGY giant Centria have outlined their contingency plans for the Olympic games when thousands of visitors descend on Dorney Lake.

The company's headquarters, in Maidenhead Road, is a stone's throw from Windsor Racecourse which will be used as a central transport hub for the 30,000 spectators expected to arrive each day for the rowing and canoeing events from Saturday, July 28 to Saturday, August 11. Up to 10,000 people are expected each day for the Paralympic events from Friday, August 31 to Sunday, September 2.

Ann Healey, group business continuity manager at energy giant Centrica, spoke at length about "We are giving fellow businesses a high-level overview of our plans for the Games. This site is impacted because of where we are, right in the middle of the Olympic Route Network.

"We are being flexible with our staff and their working hours. They will know what hours the roads will be busy to avoid disruption and helping them to work from home."

Spectators with tickets to the venue are expected to arrive from 7-9am and will be departing between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.

Olympic chiefs are encouraging spectators to travel into Eton Dorney by rail to Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead where they can catch shuttle busses to Windsor Racecourse.

Rebecca Dengler, from the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), said: "We realise we need to work with businesses across the area to explain the transport arrangements. It is amazing how many employees live within walking distance but still drive to work. From a legacy point of view it would be great to get those people walking during the Games and carrying that on."

The event was organised by the chamber to engage with their current members, as well as attracting new businesses.

John Swift, sales manager at Mercure Windsor Castle Hotel, in High Street, said: "We are already fully booked for the first week of the rowing so from a guest point of view, the Olympics is going to be of great benefit.

"But we are interested in finding out what the other local businesses are doing. If our neighbours are telling their staff to stay away then it might have an effect on our corporate bookings."

Sally McCarthy, works for the Cath Kidston homeware and accessories store, in High Street, Windsor. She said: "We came here for information and advice.

"We hope there are plans to draw people into the town when they come for the Games and not just arrive at Dorney Lake and leave straight after."

For more information on how the Games could effect businesses in the area visit www.getaheadofthegames.com and to view the ODA's presentation visit the chamber's website www.windsorchamber.co.uk

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