LLDC is open minded about Spurs ground share

Speaking at the London Assembly today Hone said “West Ham would always have priority but, with a need to squeeze the most money out of the stadium, the LLDC would actively consider a commercial deal If Spurs were to approach us about this we could progress those discussions but we haven’t got a clue what sort of arrangements Spurs would want so I couldn’t speculate whether it would be something we would do or not. Until we hear a proposal from Tottenham we have got nothing to consider. We have a concession agreement with West Ham and under that agreement their fixtures have priority.”

He also said the new stadium operator soon to be appointed would be “incentivised to fill the ‘dark days'” when the stadium was not being used by West Ham or athletics.

Mr Hone added: “We haven’t got a planning restriction that prevents this happening but we’d have to look at the impact on the surrounding events, the commercial offer – because there would be additional costs – and the impact on the pitch and things like that.Until something comes forward that we can actually look at I can’t say whether it would be attractive or unwelcome. We don’t want to build up any false impressions.”

LLDC Committee chairman John Biggs 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.”