West Ham United must wait another two months to discover if they will become the new Olympic Stadium tenants.
LLDC keen to encourage further bids
West Ham United will have to wait another two months to discover if they will become the new tenants of the Olympic Stadium.
West Ham were one of four confirmed bidders for the £500m venue and the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) said the decision has been delayed because it wants to encourage further bids.
It said some had been discouraged because of governing body approvals, naming rights issues and technical issues.
"We are determined to run a process that is fair to all and delivers the best possible legacy for the Olympic Stadium," chief executive Andrew Altman said.
"We have been very encouraged by the quality of the bids so far. However, a number of issues have arisen during the process and we believe it is sensible to give everyone more time so they can be addressed."
Track
Initial plans to sell the stadium to West Ham after the Games fell apart last October with the government citing "legal paralysis" after a challenge from Tottenham Hotspur whose initial bid was turned down.
Whatever happens, an athletics track will remain in place as the 2017 world championships will be staged in the stadium that will now remain in public ownership.
"Extending the competition period will allow all parties that registered an initial interest in the stadium another chance to bid," Altman added.
"The fundamentals have not changed and it remains our intention to sign construction contracts for converting the stadium at the end of October, with the intention of re-opening in 2014 as previously announced."
