By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
July 26 – West Ham United expect to be given first option of taking over the Olympic Stadium after the London 2012 Games, the club’s vice-chairman Karren Brady claimed today.
They claimed that a move from Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium will cost them £125 million ($194 million) and have asked the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC), who are responsible for the future of the London 2012 venues, for a six-month “lockout” to hold exclusive talks on the deal.
Brady said: “We’ll hear by the end of the month whether we’ve got the [lockout deal].
“I would never say I’m 100 per cent sure but I expect to get it; it’s a no-brainer and it’s absolutely right for the club and community.”
West Ham’s main rivals are American entertainment giant AEG, which owns the O2 Arena.
A spokeswoman for the OPLC today insideworldfootball: “The market testing has captured genuine interest from a range of organisations in the sports, events, investment and education sectors.
“We are building on this momentum and working closely with interested parties to move towards a formal procurement process.”
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