Who should occupy the Olympic Stadium?
Posted by Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, at 16:20, Thu 24 February 2011:
On the 11th February, OPLC (Olympic Park Legacy Company) executives chose the bid from West Ham United Football Club to move into the Olympic Stadium.
As you are all aware, there has been ferocious debate as to what team should occupy the stadium. Tottenham Football Club had also submitted a bid but their plans to initially demolish the stadium had proven unpopular.
West Ham’s bid involved them promising to retain the stadium running track, thus upholding the promise Britain made to the International Olympic Committee in 2005.
However, in the past few days, we have learnt that Leyton Orient are pondering over whether to launch a judicial review as they feel that their existence has not been taken into consideration. It seems they may have a case as West Ham’s average Premier League attendance this season is 33,500 and potential incentives to fill the Olympic Stadium (including heavily discounted or even free tickets to local supporters) could force Leyton Orient into a dire situation.
As Hackney is a host borough, you will all no doubt be affected by whoever becomes the occupier of the stadium. The team led by Lord Coe promised the IOC that a legacy would be maintained after the Olympic Games took place and you all form that legacy. Was it right to give the stadium to West Ham?
Diane Abbott MP
(For those on Twitter you can follow me at @hackneyabbott)
Comments
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Posted by ron riley, 21:15, Thu 24 February 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
Should have thought of this before the decision was made, bit pointless now?
Posted by John Callon, 06:59, Fri 25 February 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
Giving away the stadium? I sincerely hope not. It is always going to be difficult to combine athletics and football as football will command the use of the space most of the year. Athletics will have to work around football.
What about abandoning the football idea and promoting use by sports or other entertainment which are compatible with athletics.
Posted by John Thornton, 08:23, Fri 25 February 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
It's always nice to be asked, and my feelings are:
A) Neither West Ham nor Leyton Orient are Hackney-based clubs.
B) The stadium is not in Hackney
C) Hackney is only a "host" borough in that we are hosting the soon-to-be-white-elephant Media Centre and the bloody Olympic's car parks ... on OUR football pitches!
D) I think there are more pressing priorities such as: the Tory-led Government is currently destroying the NHS and Hackney Council is aiding and abetting them in that task.
E) Errr, that's all.
Posted by John Knight-Barnard, 19:20, Fri 25 February 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
I am not a football fan. I have watched one 1st. division match ever. But!
The stadium seems too large a venue for West Ham. The sports track etc does not mix with soccer.
Leyton Orient are interested in the possible use of another building on the site.
So, perhaps AEG who have already made the O2 a success might consider using the Olympic Stadium with similar success?
Posted by Simon Mills, 01:50, Sat 26 February 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
Seriously - what's the point in trying to influence a decison already made. Where was / is the challenge with respect to Hackney Council spending £35 Million on agency staff last year. May be your own party in control - but seriously!!! Pay consultants and sack front line services to then make efficiencies. Sorry Diane - your priorities are wrong - some things rise above party politics, and as a local council tax payer - you're wrong.