The two organisations will co-locate in the newly refurbished offices at 60 Charlotte Street, in Central London, by the end of September.

 

The BOA are currently based in Wandsworth while the BPA, also known as ParalympicsGB, rent office space at UK Sport's headquarters.

 

This new co-location will bring tremendous benefits for both parties and the sports and athletes that they represent, both claimed.

Charlotte Street was selected as an ideal option for both the BOA and the BPA as it is in the heart of London and easily accessible to many other stakeholders in the sporting landscape.

 

In addition the recent property market conditions have presented an outstanding opportunity to negotiate a new lease that offers excellent terms to both organisations, the BOA chairman Colin Moynihan claimed.

It offers facilities and access for the large and varied Olympic and Paralympic Family, including the National Governing Bodies of Olympic and Paralympic sports, commercial partners, media and other organisations involved in the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics project.
 

Andy Hunt, the BOA's chief executive, said: “This is an exciting new beginning for the BOA – a tangible sign that we are more collaborative than ever before.

 

"This is about us looking at the very best working practices and developing a more modern and dynamic culture.
 

“It makes perfect sense for the British Olympic and Paralympic Movement to share office space and we are delighted at the prospect of moving in to Charlotte Street with ParalympicsGB.
 

“We believe we are sending out a powerful message that our two organisations are aligned in our thinking and committed to delivering world-class support and services to Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic sports.”
 

Phil Lane, ParalympicsGB chief executive, said: “While we are sorry to be leaving the offices we have shared with UK Sport and would like to thank them for all their support over the past four years, with the lease up for renewal, the opportunity to co-locate with the BOA was too good to miss.

 

"We will of course maintain our individual identities and there will be areas where we will be working completely separately.

 

"But we have shared values and beliefs and in the lead up to 2012, we face similar challenges.

 

"By being in the same building as the BOA we can ensure we’re working as effectively and efficiently as possible across those areas of joint interest.”
 

Jacques Rogge, the President of the International Olympic Committee, said: “By housing their operations under the same roof, the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association will certainly benefit from positive and constructive synergy in the lead-up to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in London in 2012 and beyond.”

Sir Phillip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, said: "Co-operation between the British Paralympic Association and the British Olympic Association has strengthened considerably in the recent past.

 

"This is to be commended and it is, therefore, entirely appropriate that the two organisations be housed under one roof while maintaining their separate identities."