London Stadium costs could pass one billion

London Assembly member Andrew Boff says the London Stadium is a White Elephant which could end up costing tax payers over one billion pounds.

Boff tells the BBC Inside Out investigation tonight: “As far as I can see there is no end to taxpayers’ money being used to prop up this white elephant — they’ve been effectively given this stadium and the taxpayer is paying for it.”

“The money is mounting up. I wouldn’t be surprised if we get rid of  a billion on this thing.” Mr Boff  adds on the show which is shown on BBC1 at 7.30pm tonight.

Rent a gob Barry Hearn also had his say on the London Stadium in the BBC investigation.

As part of its deal with the London Legacy Development Corporation, West Ham has contributed £15 million to the £323 million cost of conversion, and will pay at least £2.5 million a year as part of its 99-year lease to cover policing, security and other costs.

On Friday the London Mayor published terms of reference for his investigation for spiraling costs. The investigation will look at every stage of the stadium’s design and construction, the key decisions that informed it, as well as the future operation of the stadium. It will make recommendations as to how to make the stadium more profitable, and reduce running costs that currently fall on the taxpayer.

The review will examine the role of French stadium operator VINCI, which has a 25-year deal to run the stadium, and may also consider the stadium ownership structure.

The investigation will also examine the original design decisions, taken by the then Labour Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, Lord Coe, Ken Livingstone  and the London 2012 leadership in not making it suitable for football in the first place.