West Ham have been officially confirmed as the preferred bid to take over the Olympic Stadium after the London 2012 Games.
The
Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) announced that West Ham have beaten
Tottenham in the race to take over the stadium at a news conference in
Westminster. The choice of West Ham will see the athletics track
retained inside a 60,000-capacity stadium in Stratford, east London.
The
decision has to be ratified by the Government and London mayor Boris
Johnson, but it would be a huge surprise if they did not rubber-stamp
the recommendation.
Johnson said: "This is a very significant
step forward towards delivering the Olympic Park legacy and the Legacy
Company has run a thoroughly professional and robust process.
"This
milestone means we now have the prospect of a local football club and a
multi-use venue capable of hosting athletics, a range of other sports
and a vibrant programme of events for the local community and schools.
"I am thrilled that the Legacy Company board has arrived at a recommendation for me and my colleagues in Government to consider.
"I am confident that we will be able to respond quickly to the advice of the Legacy Company in making our decision."
Source: PA