- Aug 18, 2005
- 6,527
- 267
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/888526/west-ham?cc=5739
West Ham's hopes of landing the Olympic stadium after the 2012 Olympic Games has taken another step forward after their move from Upton Park was approved by the government and Mayor of London, oris Johnson.
Three weeks ago, the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) selected West Ham's bid as its preferred choice, but subject to further decisions from the government. Now, it has been rubber stamped, OPLC can begin contract negotiations with the club, although League One side Leyton Orient have threatened to take legal action over fears they will lose income and attendances.
In a statement, parliamentary under secretary of state Bob Neill MP said: "My colleague the Minister for Sport and the Olympics [Hugh Robertson] and I have today given our approval to the recommendation of the Olympic Park Legacy Company to select the joint bid from West Ham United Football Club and the London Borough of Newham as the preferred bidder for the legacy use of the Olympic Stadium.
"We are therefore writing to the Company informing them of our decisions as its joint Government Founder Members.
"The Mayor of London, as the other Founder Member of the Company, will also write separately.
"This completes the first stage of this process and means that the Olympic Park Legacy Company are now able to enter into negotiations with the consortium comprising West Ham United Football Club and the London Borough of Newham to agree a lease for the Olympic Stadium site on terms that are acceptable to Government and the Mayor of London and provide value for money to the public sector.
"We are delighted with the progress that has been made and very pleased we have reached this very significant milestone in determining the long term legacy for the Olympic Park following the Games."
West Ham's hopes of landing the Olympic stadium after the 2012 Olympic Games has taken another step forward after their move from Upton Park was approved by the government and Mayor of London, oris Johnson.
Three weeks ago, the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) selected West Ham's bid as its preferred choice, but subject to further decisions from the government. Now, it has been rubber stamped, OPLC can begin contract negotiations with the club, although League One side Leyton Orient have threatened to take legal action over fears they will lose income and attendances.
In a statement, parliamentary under secretary of state Bob Neill MP said: "My colleague the Minister for Sport and the Olympics [Hugh Robertson] and I have today given our approval to the recommendation of the Olympic Park Legacy Company to select the joint bid from West Ham United Football Club and the London Borough of Newham as the preferred bidder for the legacy use of the Olympic Stadium.
"We are therefore writing to the Company informing them of our decisions as its joint Government Founder Members.
"The Mayor of London, as the other Founder Member of the Company, will also write separately.
"This completes the first stage of this process and means that the Olympic Park Legacy Company are now able to enter into negotiations with the consortium comprising West Ham United Football Club and the London Borough of Newham to agree a lease for the Olympic Stadium site on terms that are acceptable to Government and the Mayor of London and provide value for money to the public sector.
"We are delighted with the progress that has been made and very pleased we have reached this very significant milestone in determining the long term legacy for the Olympic Park following the Games."