West Ham submit new Olympic Stadium bid

West Ham have submitted a new bid for the London Olympic Stadium, this time offering to lease the venue rather than take it on a permanent basis.

The move comes after the Olympic Park Legacy Company started a new bidding process to find a suitable home following the summer’s showpiece event.

The Hammers released a statement on their official website saying: “West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has today confirmed the club’s intention to submit a bid by lunchtime (Friday March 23) to be the anchor user of the Olympic Stadium post-Games in line with the OPLC deadline.”

The Championship club had won the original bidding process last year before complaints from neighbours Tottenham, Leyton Orient and another anonymous party caused the deal to collapse – but the Hammers remain favourites to win the race for the stadium.

Vice-chairman Brady spoke of her vision for the arena and the club’s confidence in making sure that they secure its future.

“From the outset it has been my firm, unwavering belief that the stadium can truly become a multi-use destination of which east London and the nation as a whole can be proud,” he said.

“I have never lost sight of our vision to play our part, along with the stadium’s major stakeholders, in ensuring it grows into a global asset, the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the (Olympic) Park that will be watched by the world.

“Our vision for the stadium has always been about the promises made for London back in Singapore in 2005 and what they meant for our future generations.

“We are honoured to have once more received the support and backing of our friends at UK Athletics.”