was temporarily renamed the North Greenwich Arena. The O2 now contains several VR theme park rides and a trampoline park. Effects on political careers Issues related to the Dome damaged the political careers of government ministers Peter Mandelson and John Prescott. The scheme was seen as an early example of what some saw as Tony Blair's often excessive optimism, who stated at the Dome's opening: "In the Dome we have a creation that, I believe, will truly be a beacon to the world". The fact that Mandelson's grandfather was Herbert Morrison—who as a minister had been involved with the Festival of Britain—was often drawn on for negative comparisons. Chronology of the project 1994: Millennium Commission established by Prime Minister John Major and handed over to Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine. 1 March 1995: chief executive Jennie Page appointed. 19 June 1996: Greenwich Peninsula site selected over Birmingham by the Millennium Commission. The Birmingham NEC, Pride Park in Derby and Bromley-by-Bow in East London were the other locations on the final short list. December 1996: Government decides to support the project with public money after being unable to raise private capital. 19 June 1997: New Prime Minister Tony Blair visits Greenwich to announce that the Millennium Dome has been saved. The decision was taken only after a difficult Cabinet debate which lasted for more than an hour. 20 June 1997: Tony Blair appointed Peter Mandelson to the role of Minister for the Millennium after his announcement that the beleaguered £580 million dome would go ahead. June 1997: Construction begins. 10 January 1998: Creative director Stephen Bayley quits the project. He is said to have been at "loggerheads" with Peter Mandelson as to who was in charge with the project. 23 December 1998: Peter Mandelson resigns from government after a financial scandal. 4 January 1999: Lord Falconer of Thoroton replaces Mandelson. May 1999: The Jubilee Line Extension opens, putting the Dome on the London Underground. This too is seen as disorderly, opening 14 months late and with station facilities not yet complete (e.g. lifts for wheelchair access). 22 June 1999: structure of Dome completed. 31 December 1999: the BBC Balloon is seen flying during "2000 Today" on BBC One, and used throughout 2000. 31 December 1999 and 1 January 2000: VIP guests are kept waiting outside for hours because of a ticketing problem. 1 January 2000: Dome structure opens to public as