WEST HAM have submitted their joint bid with Newham Council to move in to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford after the London 2012 Games.

The club have joined forces with the local council and formally submitted their bid to the Olympic Park Legacy Company, with a view to retaining most of the stadium's structure, with the 80,000 capacity for the Games to be reduced to 60,000.

One of the sticking points in the early stages of the proposal's plans was the presence of the running track, which Olympic officials were keen to retain. West Ham owner David Gold recently admitted concessions would need to be made and the submitted bid includes the retention of the track around the pitch, as well as a second running track next to the stadium, which athletics club Newham and Essex Beagles would use.

Educational and cultural facilities are also key features of the proposal, with a specialist studio set to be housed at the stadium.

The move has also been backed by Essex County Cricket Club, who are interested in using the stadium for Twenty20 cricket after the Games. The University of East London would also have access to the stadium's sport and learning facilities.

Mayor of Newham, Robin Wales, told West Ham's official website: “London wants to deliver a great Games – we want to deliver a great legacy.

“Our plans would ensure the magic dust of the Olympics lives on long after the Games has finished, inspiring young people for years to come. The stadium is the jewel in the crown of London 2012. We see it as the catalyst in our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform not just Newham but the whole of the East End.

“We will create a stadium that captures the heart and spirit of the Games for decades to come. It will be a vibrant centre of sport, culture and education. It can host a great many sporting moments along the way.”

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

“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.”