It emerged today that the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) would be keen to talk to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club about using the Olympic Stadium.
The information emerged at the London Assembly’s Budget and Performance Committee meeting this morning, when questions were put to Dennis Hone, outgoing LLDC Chief Executive. Hone, a Spurs season-ticket holder, told Committee Members: “If they approached us, we would certainly talk.”
The football club confirmed that they will be highly unlikely to move into a new stadium until the 2018/19 season and need to find an alternative ground while they redevelop White Hart Lane.
Chair of the Budget and Performance Committee, John Biggs AM, said:
“The government has cut funding to the LLDC, so it’s pretty clear that they would welcome an approach from Tottenham, as the income generated would be a boost. Retro-fitting a roof to the Olympic Stadium is an expensive exercise and Londoners will have to foot the cost of any overruns. The Olympic Stadium is a good option for Spurs fans and for taxpayers - although West Ham may have something to say about it – but I’m sure it would be possible to come to a ground-sharing agreement.”
From next year, the LLDC will no longer receive central Government funding (£38 million in 2013-14) and instead will rely on an ongoing annual subsidy of £10 million from the GLA. The Mayor has said this could be increased to £18 million in 2015-16 and £14.3 million in 2016-17, although he has indicated that he will review this in the next budget-setting round.
Notes for Editors:
1. Viewed the webcast here.
2. Chair of the Budget and Performance Committee, John Biggs AM is available for interview. See contact details below.
3. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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