West Ham take plan for London 2012 Olympic stadium to Downing Street

By Duncan Mackay in London
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

September 30 – West Ham United today stepped up its bid to take over the Olympic Stadium after London 2012 when England internationals Scott Parker and Carlton Cole joined a group of youngsters to hand deliver their joint bid with Newham Council to Number 10 Downing Street.

The players, who also included Mark Noble, posed on the steps of the Prime Minister’s residence next to Newham Young Mayor Kaycee de Belen and pupils from Cleves Primary School, Upton Park to hand in the plan.

Organisations interested in formally bidding to take over the Stadium had to submit their plans by the deadline of today to the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC).

Earlier in the day, West Ham had also delivered a copy of their proposals to the OPLC.

They are the favourites to win the bid, although they face stiff opposition from AEG, the American entertainment company who have revitalised the fortunes of the Millennium Dome.

The OPLC are refusing to reveal details of any of the bids at this stage but, as insidethegames first revealed last month, West Ham’s plans involve adapting the Stadium to a 60,000-capacity and hosting Premier League football and atheletics alongside other major sports, including Twenty20 cricket, concerts and community facilities.

Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012, Lamine Diack, the President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, and Ed Warner, the chairman of UK Athletics, are among those who have already publicly backed West Ham’s vision for the Stadium.

It is estimated that it will cost £150 million ($238 million) to convert the Stadium after the Olympics and Paralympics but West Ham believe that it is important for the club’s future that they move into it from their current home at Upton Park, where they have been based since 1904.

But they also think that it will ensure the future of the Stadium and help fulfil Coe’s promise that the Olympics will not leave any white elephants.

“We believe this is the only bid that can deliver London’s legacy commitment to the International Olympic Committee,” said Karren Brady, the vice-chairman of West Ham.

“The last thing anyone wants is for the Olympic Stadium to become a ghost of Olympics past.

“The only realistic solution is to make the stadium work for a Premier League football team and that should be West Ham United.

“As a top-flight football club we have the necessary expertise in running a major multi-purpose venue.

“Working with Newham Council we could ensure extensive use of the Stadium that would create prosperity in the local area and see this club grow and move on to another level.

“Our plan to keep most of the stadium in place protects the public investment.”

Parker, the club’s most highly-rated player, is hoping West Ham will be successful.

“I’ve been around the stadium and it is fantastic,” said Parker, a Londoner born and bred.

“It is going to be a superb venue for the Olympic Games and one we can all be proud of.

“But it also offers great potential after 2012, not just for West Ham and sport in general but for the local community.

“I really hope we get it.”

“The London 2012 bid promised a legacy of regeneration in East London and local young people have so much to gain from living in the Olympic Host Borough,” said Newham Young Mayor de Belen, 16.

“But it’s essential we secure the use of the stadium to benefit Newham’s youngsters as well as those living in the neighbouring Host Boroughs.”

The plans would see the stadium playing a key role in inspiring learning and achievement, with thousands of youngsters visiting each year to make use of its facilities.

It is hoped the venue will house innovative and exciting education resources.

Local adults will also be encouraged to take up health and well-being programmes at the venue.

West Ham and Newham say the initiative could bring a wider benefit too.

One of the proposals is to incorporate an Olympic visitor centre and football museum at the stadium.

Together with the other attractions in the Olympic Park and the neighbouring Westfield Stratford City shopping centre it could make the venue one of the nation’s favourite destinations, West Ham officials claim.

“The 2012 Games promise to be the best yet,” said Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales.

“Our proposal with West Ham is the natural and logical solution that will provide a legacy for decades to come.

“Our plans will deliver upwards of two million visitors each year and provide a significant beacon in the East End that will fulfil the original London 2012 bid commitments.

“A busy Stadium will enhance the regeneration of the wider area and importantly, there will be no cost to the public purse after the Stadium’s conversion.”

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