It looks like the Hammers are having to wait a bit longer to see if their Olympic stadium bid has been successful or not. Hammers boss David Gold even tweeted that the postponement of the decision is “disappointing”.
There was a meeting of the board of the London Legacy Development Corporation yesterday and the outcome was that negotiations with the club had yet to reach a “definitive conclusion”. It’s sad really as the Hammers are offering Legacy the only real and viable solution to the stadium and being made to wait even longer for the outcome is painful for both West ham and its fans.
The main problem is how the 160 Million costs for retractable seating along with converting the stadium into a permanent venue are to be met.The Hammers are convinced that their tenancy would be the best option available and would easily pay off twice.
Hammers co-owner David Gold tweeted: “Sadly the decision on the Olympic Stadium has been postponed. We must be patient but resolute.”
It’s quite normal that the London Legacy Development Corporation are looking at other tenders but they also state that West Ham must make a considerable contribution to the costs of converting the stadium. They have also said that the Olympic stadium could pay for itself without football, too. Whether this is true or not, we don’t know but the next couple of weeks are critical for reaching an agreement on the Olympic stadium bid as both sides are keen to end the saga once and for all. It wouldn’t be of any interest to prolong the outcome although Dennis Hone, the LLDC chief executive, has stated that it could take a few months.
The £468m stadium that will boast a capacity of 60,000 in its post-games set-up has two other tenders vying for its services. An ambitious scheme by Leyton Orient to host Formula One in the Olympic Park and a football business college. Although Leyton Orient’s bid doesn’t seem too likely, the only real threat to the Hammers’ successful Olympic stadium bid is the football business college.
Having said that, the only real option is West Ham as it will guarantee a good home for the stadium and would put the Upton Park club firmly on the map.
Finally, for 20 days a year, UK Athletics has been guaranteed the use of the stadium along with sporting events, pop concerts and community day. Other uses will of course have to be liaised with the main tenants of the stadium and an events organizer.
