West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady believes the Club’s longstanding commitment to a viable Olympic legacy will benefit the local community for generations to come.
Speaking at a special event at the former Olympic Stadium on Thursday night to mark ten years since London was awarded the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Singapore, the Vice-Chairman detailed the Hammers’ determination to make their mark on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and beyond.
She told the 300 assembled guests, including Mayor of London Boris Johnson, that West Ham were proud to be Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s first major partner, and that she was delighted to see the transformation that had taken place in the two years since West Ham were awarded the Stadium.
“At West Ham United, we have been wholeheartedly committed to playing our part in delivering the 2012 Games legacy from the very start,” the Vice-Chairman said.
“We were first off the mark - bringing solutions, investment, sheer grit and determination. We stepped up and were committed to that long-term vision. And we have stayed the distance.
“We are now looking forward to helping to create a thriving Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. London’s newest must-visit destination and cultural hub. For business, for education, for arts, for families, for football.
“Thursday’s event was a proud moment, sharing in what is a tremendous story for our beloved City and for West Ham United’s community - the East End of London.
“It will be a true sporting legacy in East London and beyond."
The Vice-Chairman also praised Lord Coe, who delivered a video message to the 300 assembled guests, Mayor of London Boris Johnson, the London Borough of Newham and the LLDC for sharing in the vision that has helped create what is set to become the UK’s No1 entertainment destination.
The Vice-Chairman was supported at the event by manager Slaven Bilic, Club captain Mark Noble and James Tomkins, who also all spoke with pride about the Club’s ambition and their excitement at kicking off next season in the stunning 54,000 seat venue.
“Lord Coe said in early 2011 that our bid to become anchor tenant of the Stadium lived with the legacy commitment he made back in Singapore and the spectacular results are now there for all to see. The Mayor, London Borough of Newham and the London Legacy Corporation are also to be commended for their innovation," the Vice-Chairman added.
“They shared our belief that West Ham could act as the catalyst for what is fast becoming regarded as one of the greatest regeneration projects in the country and indeed in Europe.
“The ground-breaking transformation is down to their foresight. As a result, we have international events flocking to use this stunning arena on the basis that it offers such a unique spectator experience.”
West Ham United were named anchor concessionaire at the Stadium by Her Majesty’s Government in 2013 and since then a huge transformation programme has taken place in the Stadium and Park. With a new cantilevered roof – the largest of its kind in the world - the Stadium now look more magnificent than ever, but the Vice-Chairman believes all those connected with the project can look forward to even better things to come.
“Our presence over the next 99 years will underwrite the Stadium’s multi-use future with athletics at heart. Delivering that all-important Olympic legacy, just as we saw so vividly during the Rugby World Cup.
“My message to the people of East London, and to the nation who hold this Stadium in their hearts is that I, my Board and my dedicated team are wholeheartedly committed to the promises we made in our bid, indeed we are already delivering against them, and I promise you that the best is yet to come.”
As well as the Vice-Chairman’s speech, the guests were treated to video highlights from the 2012 Games, and saw the launch of the Foundation for FutureLondon, a new charity that will raise awareness and funds for the new Olympicopolis education and cultural district within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The event was held in the hospitality suites at West Ham’s magnificent new Stadium, which will soon be turned into the bespoke, Hammers-themed Club London lounges and bars, ready for the big kick-off at the new Stadium next August.
To make sure you are present to see history in the making when West Ham play their first match in the Club’s iconic new home, join the New Stadium Season Ticket Priority List.