• London Olympics 2012

Olympic Stadium decision delayed

ESPN staff
January 24, 2011
Both Tottenham and West Ham are vying for control of the Olympic Stadium site © Getty Images
Enlarge

The meeting to decide whether the Olympic Stadium site should be awarded to Tottenham or West Ham has been postponed.

The Olympic Park Legacy Company was due to meet on Friday to discuss the merits of bids from West Ham United and Tottenham, who are both vying for the right to use the site after the Olympic Games conclude in just under 18 months' time. There is also the possibility that the site could revert to a 25,000-capacity athletics arena.

The Hammers have pledged to retain a running track should they win the bid, while Spurs plan to demolish the £537 million stadium and construct an entirely new arena. But the OPLC has decided it needs more time to fully explore and evaluate all the options.

"On Friday, 21 January, the two bidding consortia - Tottenham Hotspur and AEG, and West Ham United and the London Borough of Newham - made final offers as part of the decision process concerning the future of the Olympic Stadium," an OPLC statement read.

"Given the detailed nature of both bids received, we need more time to seek further clarification with both bidders in order to identify a preferred bidder. The stadium is a significant public asset and we have a duty to run a robust process. Securing the most appropriate solution for the stadium is vital to our long-term aspirations for the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the wider regeneration of the area.

"In addition to the two shortlisted bids, the Legacy Company also has the option of the original plan to convert the Olympic Stadium to a 25,000 seats, mixed-use venue. In going to market, the Legacy Company's aim was to consider options which would enhance and build on that plan."

An athletics legacy was one of the primary considerations that led to London being awarded the 2012 Games.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices