One of the more hotly contested battles in the Premier League this season has taken place off of the pitch for a pitch. Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have been doing battle over which club will take over the Olympic Stadium site after the 2012 Olympics and that battle will now wage on a bit longer after the Olympic Park Legacy Company delayed their decision which of the two clubs' bids will be accepted.
Tottenham, West Ham United Forced To Wait After Olympic Stadium Decision Delayed
The OPLC is due to meet on Friday and it was expected that the group would make a decision on whether to accept Spurs bid or the Hammers bid at that meeting, but the group has postponed their announcement to an undetermined date. The group says that they need more time to evaluate the bids and to also considering downsizing the 80,000 seat stadium to a 25,000 seat athletics stadium after the Games, which was the original plan when the Olympic bid was put together and chosen by the International Olympic Committee in 2003.
Since some doubt was raised about the original plan, West Ham stepped forward with a plan to leave Upton Park for the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers propose to downsize the stadium to a 60,000 seat capacity and maintain the running track, which has made it the preferred option for the athletics supporters who want the country to have a showcase athletics facility capable of hosting major competition. Tottenham joined with entertainment company AEG on their bid and plan to level the Olympic Stadium and build a new stadium on the site that will not have a running track, but they do plan on expanding and refurbishing the Crystal Palace athletics facility in the name of the Olympic legacy.
The bids have no changed recently, but the OPLC will still take some extra time to consider the two bids. The group released the following statement:
”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.
”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.”
See More:
