WEST HAM have been handed a boost to their proposed Olympic Stadium move after UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner admitted the club’s bid to use the stadium was ‘very credible’.
The stadium was going to be used solely as an athletics venue, with the Games’ 80,000 capacity set to be reduced to around 25,000 after the Olympics, but a number of parties have submitted their proposals to take control of the stadium.
West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan have expressed their interest in moving the club to the Stratford base, with the capacity instead being taken down to 50,000 after the Games. The pair have held talks with Newham Council about launching a joint bid.
A number of high-profile figures have revealed their concerns about the stadium being transformed into a football venue, including Olympic minister Tessa Jowell and former London mayor Ken Livingstone.
However, Warner has admitted West Ham’s proposal is one ‘worth looking at’.
“I’m very excited about what it will be as a venue and there are some very interesting proposals coming forward,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“West Ham have already put their hat in the ring, they haven’t formally submitted their letter yet, but they are clearly very interested and working hard.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with them and I think that it is going to be a very credible proposal and certainly one we could work with.
“It would work as a football stadium.”
All parties have until May 17 to submit their bids, with a shortlist of 30 set to be announced in March 11.
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