Why did West Ham United choose to partner with Galliard Group?
Galliard Group is a local company that understands and respects the Club's history and tradition.
There were better offers on the table from more aggressive developers but these were rejected as the Club wanted to leave the right legacy for fans and the local community.
Galliard Group has proven sports ground regeneration skills, having delivered a substantial part of the residential housing at the new Emirates Stadium development.
They are also committed to servicing the needs of the local community and they plan to liaise closely with West Ham and the London Borough of Newham to undertake community and stakeholder consultation with fans, local residents and local business.
The London Borough of Newham have previously identified the need for more homes, jobs and community spaces in that local area.
During the construction period, the new development will create hundreds of jobs on site, with additional employment created in any on-site commercial facilities agreed after consultation, which will mean that the new future for the site will play a huge part in the regeneration of the Upton Park area.
The London Borough of Newham have previously expressed a desire for more high-quality housing in the local area and Galliard's proposal matches that criteria.
What will be at the site to commemorate West Ham's history?
We were impressed with Galliard Group's commitment to honouring the legacy of West Ham United at the site. They have plans to name the key buildings at the new site after West Ham United legends, decided through polls and competitions with fans and the local community.
Subject to approval and consultation, they also plan to name the central area of the development after West Ham legend Bobby Moore and will be looking to create sculptures and works of art to remember famous players and moments from West Ham's history. These will all be created in conjunction with the players' families and fans.
What will happen to the remembrance garden?
One of the most important aspects for West Ham in the negotiations with potential partners was the plans for the Memorial Gardens. We are pleased that Galliard Group plan to leave the Memorial Garden as it is so relatives and friends of loved ones can continue to come and pay their respects at the site.
Will the commemorative bricks be coming?
Yes. All of the names and messages on the commemorative bricks currently in place at the Boleyn Ground will be transferred to the Olympic Stadium. The Club also have plans to offer fans the chance to place new bricks at West Ham's new home.
What else will be coming with West Ham to the Olympic Stadium?
The Club are in discussions with the Supporter Advisory Board about what they want the Club to take to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Those discussions are ongoing but the key parts of the Club's history are likely to travel alongside items like the commemorative plaques for Club legends and the West Ham Pals Battalion from the First World War.
Will local residents and traders be consulted?
Yes, Galliard Group are renowned for their consultation with local residents. They pride themselves on their engagement with the local community and will hold regular meetings and distribute a regular newsletter to local residents and businesses.
What if I'm interested in buying one of the properties?
No properties will be released for sale until consultation is undertaken and planning is provided for properties to be built on the site. Only once this is done will Galliard Group look at selling properties on the site. Galliard Group are signatories to the House Builders Federation pledge that all of their London properties are offered for sale to Londoners/UK buyers first, before being marketed/sold overseas.
If you have any further questions that are not covered here, please email [email protected] and we will endeavour to answer as many as we can via whufc.com