West Ham reveal image of Olympic Stadium plan

Mon 31st Jan 2011 | Football Stadiums & Facilities

More than 50 MPs signed their support this week for the West Ham United and Newham Council joint bid to take over the Olympic Stadium in Stratford after the 2012 Games.

The first image of how the Olympic Stadium could look as part of the proposed bid was unveiled by West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady and Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales at a House of Commons reception hosted by West Ham MP Lyn Brown.

The computer-generated image shows an extended roof which would add to the intimate feel created by the impressive sightlines and seating lay-outs, as well as a taste of some of the wider facilities to be included in the state of the art complex.

The stadium - at the heart of the Olympic Park - would include a football museum, interactive learning facilities and be a home sport for elite, club, community and school athletes of all discipline. Under the plans, it would be open for use as soon as summer 2014.

The event saw dozens of MPs from all the main political parties signing a pledge board confirming their support for the West Ham-Newham Bid including Tessa Jowell, the Olympics Minister when the 2012 Games were awarded to London in July 2005. Also present were Westfield and Live Nation -global leaders in construction and entertainment events respectively - along with UK Athletics and Essex Cricket.

Welcoming guests with a passionate speech, Lyn Brown MP said: "As you can see today, we have cross-Parliamentary support for this Bid. It is a strong bid, it is the only bid that makes sense, puts money back into the community and makes sure our children have a sporting future."

Making the formal presentation were Karren Brady and Newham Council Chief Executive Kim Bromley-Derry, while West Ham Chairman David Gold and Sir Robin Wales also addressed the audience. Sir Robin emphasised the importance of ploughing investment back into the community while Mr Gold spoke of his personal attachment to the East End.

Karren Brady said: "This image gives a true sense of how the Olympic Stadium would look post-conversion - a truly multi-purpose, multi-event stadium that would stand as a true home for sport in this country. On 6 July 2005, a promise was made in the Queen's name. We believe in that promise and we believe in legacy.

"It's important for the UK's credibility as a sporting nation - especially in the wake of the 2018 FIFA World Cup disappointment - to keep that promise. Pulling down the stadium would waste half-a-billion pounds in taxpayers' money."

Kim Bromley-Derry said: "We see the stadium as a key catalyst in the regeneration of London. Football is pivotal, of course, but it is also a golden opportunity for other sports. It's all about creating an Olympic and multi-sport legacy for the UK and securing an economic legacy for Newham and London."

Club great Paolo Di Canio was one of many to add weight to the Bid. He said: "Having played at the Stadium Olimpico in Rome for Lazio which also had a running track, the atmosphere has always been fantastic. I am certain the passion of the West Ham supporters will create just as much of an amazing atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford as they do at Upton Park."

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