West Ham are believed to be set to earn up to £45 million from the sale of Upton Park under an agreement with Essex based developer Galliard Group
In a surprise anouncement today West Ham said: “Following a competitive bidding process, West Ham United selected Galliard Group as the purchaser for the site ahead of a number of other national and international companies.
The Club was impressed with Galliard Group’s links to the local community and their commitment to honouring the history of the Hammers at the Boleyn Ground as part of their proposed development.”
They said in an official statement “Following a competitive bidding process, West Ham United selected Galliard Group as the purchaser for the site ahead of a number of other national and international companies.
“The Club was impressed with Galliard Group’s links to the local community and their commitment to honouring the history of the Hammers at the Boleyn Ground as part of their proposed development.”
Under proposals being considered, fans and local residents would be invited to enter a poll to name each building after a legendary player or an historic event at the Club.
Galliard’s proposals seek to provide new homes with ground floor retail and leisure facilities, complete with underground parking.
Galliard also plan to undertake discussions with the family of Bobby Moore regarding the proposed development of a central landscaped garden, which would be named the Bobby Moore Memorial Garden, providing a f tribute to the legacy of West Ham.
Galliard have commissioned world-renowned sculptress, Frances Siegelman, to create a statue of Bobby Moore and other artwork celebrating the heritage of West Ham, which would be located in the gardens and grounds of the new village.
Under the plans, the current West Ham memorial garden by the front entrance to the grounds would also be retained, protected and incorporated into the new development.
However, the club is keeping price details a closely guarded secret although Claretandhugh believes it could be anything from £35 million to £45 million.
However, our sources believe the figure is closer to £35 million based on property prices in and around E15.
It is not known if the Hammers have sold the land outright or whether it will be set once planning permission has been received but either way the figure of around £35 million is believed to be close to the mark.
A source said: “East End property values at around £235,000, which experts estimate will see the club receive about that sort of figure. In general terms it would be no lower than £25 million with a ceiling of around £45 million.”