During 2005 the International Olympic Committee announced Britain had won the bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. London narrowly beat the favourite Paris in the final vote after several rounds of elimination. This would be London's first time holding the event since 1948 and was celebrated as a momentous day. London Mayor Ken Livingstone had overseen the winning bid and hoped it would usher in much-needed redevelopment for the East End of London. Hainault Forest was one of several locations across London where Military personnel would be based. Preparation work began on 1st June 2012 with new paths appearing near the main entrance soon afterwards.