Reworking of 2012 stadium by architect Populous given thumbs up ahead of planning meeting

Olympic Stadium

Plans to redevelop London’s Olympic stadium to accommodate West Ham football club are set to be approved by the legacy body in charge.

The scheme, designed by the stadium’s original architect Populous,  will reduce the stadium’s seating capacity from 80,000 during Games to 60,000, though for concert events non-seating capacity will mean that up to 80,000 people can attend.

The redeveloped roof design boasts a gravity-stressed structure spanning 84m and will provide cover for football fans sitting above the existing running track once the stadium becomes the home of West Ham in 2016.

The project, which is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, also includes two new support buildings, turnstiles, a two-storey concessionaire building and new landscaping.

Planners at the London Legacy Development Corporation have recommended the application is approved at the next meeting of the planning committee next Tuesday, May 28 with any decision then referred to London mayor, Boris Johnson.

As Building revealed in March, London Olympic stadium builder Sir Robert McAlpine is competing against four other shortlisted contractors including for the main contractor role, estimated to be worth £100m according to construction database Barbour ABI.

The other firms in the running are Balfour Beatty, ISG, Buckingham Group and Shepherd Construction.