The photograph shows a newly constructed sports stadium in Hong Kong.

Boost to infrastructure and services

• New transport links and public spaces may be developed.
• To accommodate large crowds and improve accessibility.
• This may also benefit residents by improving commuting and amenities.

Property development and land use change

• Investment in hotels, restaurants, and housing is likely to increase.
• Developers may capitalise on rising land values near the stadium.
• This could lead to gentrification and displacement of lower-income residents.

Award as 3+3 marks. Max. 3 marks per reason, do not award full marks if two ways not included in response.

Answers may include but are not limited to:

Large sports stadiums are often promoted as catalysts for economic regeneration, social cohesion, and improved infrastructure. While they can support aspects of sustainable urban development, including environmental upgrades and inclusive planning, their long-term impact depends on design, location, community integration, and post-event use.

Positive Contributions to Sustainable Urban Development

• Economic Regeneration and Job Creation

  • Stadiums can attract investment, tourism, and events, stimulating local economies and creating employment opportunities.
  • Example: The development of London’s Olympic Park (2012) led to economic revitalisation of the Stratford area through jobs, retail, and transport links.
  • Impact: Contributes to sustainable development by reducing unemployment and boosting local business.

• Transport and Infrastructure Improvements

  • Hosting major stadiums often prompts upgrades to public transport, roads, and public spaces.
  • Example: The construction of FNB Stadium in Johannesburg for the 2010 FIFA World Cup led to improvements in rail and bus services.
  • Impact: Enhances urban mobility and reduces reliance on cars—key aspects of environmental sustainability.

• Community Use and Inclusive Design

  • Multi-purpose stadiums can serve as community hubs, offering sports facilities, education centres, and green space.
  • Example: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta includes renewable energy use, water recycling, and community programs, making it a model of sustainability.
  • Impact: Fosters social inclusion and long-term community engagement.

Challenges and Limitations

• Risk of Underuse and 'White Elephant' Infrastructure

  • Without long-term planning, stadiums may be underutilised after major events, becoming financial burdens.
  • Example: Athens Olympic Stadiums (2004) were left largely unused post-Games, leading to urban blight and wasted investment.
  • Impact: Undermines sustainability by diverting resources from long-term needs.

• Displacement and Gentrification

  • Stadium developments can lead to evictions, rising housing costs, and loss of local identity.
  • Example: In Rio de Janeiro, preparations for the 2016 Olympics displaced thousands of residents to make way for new facilities.
  • Impact: Reduces social sustainability by marginalising vulnerable populations.

Evaluation and Conclusion

Large sports stadiums can contribute to sustainable urban development when integrated into a wider, long-term urban strategy focused on economic inclusion, environmental design, and community benefit. However, in cases where they are isolated prestige projects with little post-event planning, they may exacerbate urban inequality and resource waste. Therefore, their success in supporting sustainable development depends on inclusive planning, legacy use, and environmental performance.

Marking Guidance

• 1–2 marks: Basic identification of stadium benefits or drawbacks with limited explanation.
• 3–4 marks: Clear description of positive or negative impacts with some relevant examples.
• 5–6 marks: Detailed explanation of multiple impacts (economic, social, environmental), supported by case studies.
• 7–8 marks: Strong evaluation of stadiums as tools for urban development, considering conditions for success and failure.
• 9–10 marks: Comprehensive, balanced analysis with sophisticated examples, critical evaluation, and sustainability criteria. Presents a coherent, well-structured argument throughout.