BEIJING (AFP) – The Bird's Nest Olympic stadium in Beijing has hardly been used for sports events since the August Games, while just a corner of the Water Cubic aquatic centre has become a public swimming pool.
One year on, white elephant syndrome lingers in China's capital as it ponders what to do with buildings that were intended overwhelmingly to make a dramatic impression during the short span of just two weeks in August last year.
"For China, the venues were about being the host of a key moment of global prestige that transcended economics," said Seth Grossman, managing director for Eastern China of Carat, a media communications agency.
"It was a desire to welcome the world to a first-class experience that befits the Olympics and, as such, the venues had to reflect the prestige of the state, not just the local municipality of Beijing."
Even if the venues were never designed with an eye to their long-term benefits, they are now taking up valuable Beijing real estate, triggering speculation about what to do with these monuments to the city'sOlympic glory.
