Committee deciding on Olympic Stadium bid says it needs more time
By ANITuesday, January 25, 2011
LONDON - The Olympic Park Legacy Company has decided it needs more time to reach a decision on a preferred bidder for the Olympic Stadium.
It is due to consider rival bids from Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
According to The Guardian, both clubs have been forced to recalibrate their lobbying strategies after being asked for further clarification.
“”Given the detailed nature of both bids received, we need more time to seek further clarification with both bidders in order to identify a preferred bidder. We need the process to be robust,” said an OPLC spokeswoman.
A new date for the board meeting is yet to be set, but it is understood that the delay could be of up to a fortnight.
The OPLC has always made clear that it would postpone the decision if it felt more time was required.
Given the likelihood of a challenge from the losing bidder, the decision will also have to be subject to significant legal scrutiny.
The OPLC will work with the preferred bidder with the aim of signing the lease by the end of March, subject to approval from the government and the London mayor, Boris Johnson. (ANI)
