Hammers stadium bid verdict likely to be delayed until 2013
WEST Ham’s hopes of this week clinching a deal to move into the Olympic Stadium look to be fading, raising the likelihood that a decision will not be made until 2013.
The Hammers have long been favourites to be the main users of the arena, but remain at odds with the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) over who should foot necessary conversion costs.
Mayor Boris Johnson is set to chair a meeting of the LLDC tomorrow in which it had been hoped a compromise would be agreed that would see the Hammers relocate in time for the 2016-17 season, however it is believed that the parties are still too far apart.
Improvements such as retractable seating, which would allow football to coexist with athletics, and a new roof are expected to cost £160m.
The LLDC would pay around a third, with Newham Council ready to pay £60m but West Ham are thought reluctant to make up the entire £60m shortfall.