This spectacular multi-purpose space , architecture and engineering example of modern social at the service was opened in January 1, 2000 , coinciding with the start of the new millennium , hosting an exhibition which closed on December 31 of that year. From that moment it was a source of great political and economic disputes . Its design was led by Richard Rogers , the english architect best placed globally at the time and responsible for such iconic works as the Centro Comercial Las Arenas de Barcelona , or Cultural Centre George Pompidou in Paris.
In 2005 its name was officially changed to "The O2 " when phone operator O2, the Spanish subsidiary of Telefónica , bought the copyright to the original promoter . This name change led to a major overhaul of the site commissioned by the new owners and retaining little more than the shell of the dome. The renovation was made to a design by Populous,HOK SVE and Buro Happold .
During the 2012 Olympic Games complex called The O2 Arena , was called the "North Greenwich Arena" and on-site tests were held and later artistic gymnastics during the Paralympic Games were held events in wheelchair basketball .
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