West Ham and Tottenham forced to wait on 2012 verdict as Olympic Stadium decision is delayed

25 January 2011 01:24
Tottenham and West Ham have beentold they must wait until next week at the earliest to learn which ofthem will be handed the Olympic Stadium. [LNB]The Olympic Park Legacy Company hadbeen expected to select a winner on Friday, but yesterday postponed thedecision 'to seek further clarification from both bidders'.[LNB] Enlarge The wait goes on: Spurs and the Hammers will have to hold on that bit longer to discover who will be the preferred bidder for 2012 stadium[LNB]The OPLC have committed only tomaking a choice by March 31, the end of the financial year, and therecommendation will need approval from the Government and London MayorBoris Johnson.[LNB] It is unclear which of the Barclays Premier League clubs will be helped by the delay. [LNB]Spurs feel their plans will stand upto greater financial scrutiny, while West Ham are confident becausethey fulfil legacy commitments to provide an athletics site in the EastEnd. Spurs want to raze the stadium and rebuild, revamping CrystalPalace for athletics.[LNB] Centre of attention: The Olympic Stadium will dominate the landscape in Stratford[LNB]The OPLC have a third option - 'the original plan to convert the Olympic Stadium to a 25,000 seats, mixed-use venue'. [LNB]It would be a dream result for athletics but was thought not to be viable when it was examined two years ago. [LNB]Donna Cullen, Spurs' executivedirector, believes her plans are closest to that model, saying: 'We'dmuch rather see two successful stadiums, each dedicated to theirsports, rather than an unsustainable compromise in one stadium.' [LNB] Coe: Britain's reputation is trashed if Spurs land keys to the 2012 stadiumCHARLES SALE: Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn bays over Olympic Stadium[LNB]  Explore more:Places: Olympic Stadium

Source: Daily_Mail