Northern England proposes bid for 2040s Olympics
A consortium of northern cities is exploring a 2040s Olympic bid, aiming to transform post-industrial towns into a global sporting hub. The plan could cost £20 billion, with Manchester and Liverpool leading the charge.
The Olympic dream is returning to England—but not to London. A coalition of northern cities led by Manchester and Liverpool is quietly preparing a bid to host the Games in the 2040s, according to documents seen by this newspaper. The proposal, codenamed "Northern Horizon," aims to leverage the region’s regeneration momentum and create a legacy of infrastructure and opportunity.
Key Points
- ✅ First official feasibility study completed in August
- ⚡ Bid would require £20 billion in public and private funding
- 💡 Liverpool and Manchester named as joint host cities
Sources familiar with the plan say the consortium has held preliminary talks with the British Olympic Association and UK Sport, though no formal application has been submitted. The 2040s timeline aligns with the IOC’s long-term hosting strategy, which prioritizes underrepresented regions and sustainable urban renewal.
The bid would repurpose existing facilities like Manchester’s Etihad Stadium and Liverpool’s Bramley-Moore Dock, reducing construction waste and costs. New venues would be clustered in a 20-mile radius, with a proposed athletes’ village in Salford Quays. Transport links would be upgraded, including a high-speed rail connection to Leeds and Sheffield.
| Host City | Existing Venues | New Infrastructure |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | Etihad Stadium, National Cycling Centre | Olympic Stadium (converted from Etihad) |
| Liverpool | Anfield, Goodison Park | Athletes’ Village, Aquatics Centre |
| Leeds | Headingley Stadium | Media Village, Hockey Centre |
Critics argue the cost is prohibitive, pointing to the £13 billion spent on the delayed 2012 London Olympics. Proponents counter that the northern bid would spread economic benefits across multiple cities, avoiding the London-centric model. A feasibility report by Aecom estimates that for every £1 invested, £2.50 would be returned through tourism, jobs and regeneration.
💡 Pro Tip
Bid teams should prioritize transport upgrades early. The 2016 Rio Olympics proved delays in mobility projects derail even the most ambitious plans.
Local politicians are divided. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called the bid "a once-in-a-generation chance" to redefine the region’s global image. In contrast, Sheffield City Council leader Terry Fox warned that "public funds could be better spent on schools and hospitals."
📋 By The Numbers
- 2040s — Proposed Olympic years under consideration
- 12 — Cities involved in initial discussions
- 4 — Years until the IOC’s next host selection announcement
The IOC’s Future Host Commission is expected to release its next set of recommendations in 2025, with a final decision on the 2040s cycle by 2028. Northern England’s bid would need to secure government backing by 2026 to meet the IOC’s deadlines. Meanwhile, the consortium is hiring a team of former Olympic bid veterans to refine its proposal.
- Phase 1: Feasibility (2024-2025) — Finalize venue plans and financial modeling
- Phase 2: Public Engagement (2025-2026) — Secure local and national support
- Phase 3: IOC Submission (2026-2027) — Formal bid dossier and site visits
If successful, the Games would mark the first time England’s post-industrial north hosts the Olympics—a gamble on turning rust-belt cities into a global stage.
- 📊 The bid’s economic model relies on 85% private sector investment
- 🔍 IOC’s new hosting rules favor multi-city bids over single-host models
- ⚠️ Legal challenges loom over land acquisition for new venues
The clock is ticking. With the IOC’s patience for white-elephant venues growing thin, northern leaders must prove their proposal is more than a pipe dream.