Disused shopping centre 'ready for troops'

20 July 2012

Efforts to convert an abandoned shopping centre to house more than 2,000 troops throughout the Olympic Games have been praised by Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.

More than 2,000 personnel will be staying at Tobacco Dock, in Wapping, during their time supporting the games.

The site is now taking delivery of more than 3,000 camp cots and pillows, while there will also be facilities installed to launder 1,500 sets of uniforms daily. Some 50 cooks and 500 litres of kerosene gas a day are also set to arrive to run the on-site kitchens.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "We are making every effort to make Tobacco Dock as comfortable for our people as possible, and to get this site into a state where catering, sleeping and sanitation facilities are in place in a short space of time is nothing short of impressive.

"Work is under way to ensure that there will be access to sufficient rest and recreational facilities, including gym equipment and Wi-Fi.

"Our armed forces are used to short-notice deployments and dealing with the unexpected which is why I am confident they will do a superb job in assisting in the provision of security for the world's largest sporting event. All of them deserve our thanks and appreciation."

General Sir Nick Parker, Standing Joint Commander (UK) said: "Personnel from across all three armed forces are now knuckling down to fulfil their part in delivering a safe and secure Olympic Games.

"At Tobacco Dock personnel are now arriving to get on with the venue security tasks they have been set. I am confident that this venue affords troops the standard of accommodation and level of comfort our people require to do a good job."