West Ham's stadium plans set to change
The credit crunch means West Ham's plans to move to the Parcelforce site near the old Boleyn ground, let alone the even longer shot of the Olympic Stadium, may now be ditched.
I am told a third plan winning great favour at board level is to extend the east stand and build around the corners of the ground, so increasing the capacity from the present 34,000 to about 50,000.
The plan has many advantages. Income will increase by about £12m a year and it will cost about £50m.
Contrast this with the likely cost of about £300m for the Parcelforce land, a difficult site for redevelopment.
As for the Olympic stadium, this would mean dismantling the stadium being built for the 2012 Games and starting again, which would cost about £500m.
And there is no certainly that the Olympic authorities would go for that in any event.
As for the Parcelforce land there are a lot of questions to be sorted out regarding developing the right transport links and who might provide the money.
West Ham would certainly be looking for public money, either from local authorities or central government. And how realistic that might be in the present climate is not hard to imagine.
Not that redeveloping Upton Park does not have problems. Fans will have to put up with a great deal of inconvenience for a season and the club will suffer from reduced income. But the view gaining ground is that in a time of recession this may be the best option.
However, even here the club will have to negotiate with the local authority about increased traffic congestion once the redeveloped ground opens. The roads around Upton Park are very busy on match days and would be even worse if capacity were to be increased to 50,000.
But are these stadium plans, even an expanded Upton Park, not just pipe dreams?
With the winds of recession threatening to assume gale proportions and the West Ham owner facing huge problems in his native Iceland surely the more pressing issue is whether West Ham will have to be sold?
I am told the club's owner has received a number of enquiries but nothing remotely like an offer, nor has the club been put up for sale.
Much depends on what the Icelandic owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, needs to do to take care of the impact on his investments as a result of the financial crisis that has overwhelmed his native country. If his situation in Iceland dictates a sale then it is hard to see how West Ham can remain unaffected.
So while club officials may work out different stadium plans, nothing will be decided until the club's future is settled. This means that whatever may be planned for Upton Park, the real decision about the club will be made in the financial corridors of Reykjavik.
That is modern football for you.
I'm 
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~24~RS~)
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zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
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Yeah. Who cares?
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I'm with i_amlukechadwick on this one. What a waste of time. Nothing new at all.
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Concerning plans to move to the Parcelforce site - can these be delivered on time?
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Well a ground share with Charlton might be an idea. Might be good to have Pards back for a while.
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The inside line on sport! Its just meaningless speculation! Rubbish!
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Very interesting, it could be a blessing in disgust for west ham fans. I'm sure many of them would rather stay at their beloved boleyn ground.
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Honestly,
You haven't written an article on Football since the 26th October and you come out with this boring, useless article.
I thought you may have taken the advise of many of your readers and actually write something that may be of interest but yet again, you give us nothing new......
-West Ham may move to the Olympic Stadium.
-West Ham may move to the parcelforce depot.
-West Ham may extend their own stadium.
-West Ham's owners are Icelandic and possibly struggling with the credit crunch.
Incredibly repetitive.
Why don't you write about something that football fans really want a proper opinion on?
-Who should Capello play in the England game on Wednesday?
-Is Steve Bruce right that yellow cards should be rescinded?
-Was Sir Trevor Brooking right to talk down the F.A over football development?
etc etc etc............
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I'm afraid this is a crasher even by Mihir's standards.
Full of ifs buts and maybes that we all already know about.
Mihir should remember the line from Sir Humphry Appleby in Yes Minister
"It is better to say nothing than anything"
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This might happen, that might happen, what a load of old tosh.
If Mihir and made any effort to research properly he would have found out there is no way that it would be possible to build a 50,000 capacity stadium on the Boleyn Ground site.
What a lazy bit of journalism, he'l be working for one of the tabloids soon.
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Mihir Bose Actually knows a lot about football
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They should spend a few quid removing those comedy castles from outside the ground.
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I found your article quite interesting. As a regular viewer st the Boleyn, i do wonder why we need to move to a new site. It seems pretty simple to me, they should demolish the woeful East Stand, opposite the one you have pictured. In my opinion, West Hams stadium is easily expandable.
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I appreciate it's only 'might' at this stage, and Mihir is just giving an overview of the latest thinking in the Hammers' boardroom, rather than reporting a definitive news development.
But is the update that West Ham could potentially end up staying at Upton Park rather than move or take over the Olympic Stadium really of no interest then?
Not even to Hammers fans??
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Can I have my five minutes back please?
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I don't know why there are always so many negative comments after a Mihir Bose article, I always find them an interesting read. If you don't like them, don't read them.
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#18 Alex G.
No it is not particularly of interest as many have already pointed out. If you can't control why worry about it.
I am more bothered about the fact that Boa Morte and Faubert can get a game before me.
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I used to enjoy reading the blogs of Mihir Bose, this will be the last unless someone i know reads it and explains in depth how it is actually about football and not just jumping on yet another financial bandwagon. It also seems very apt that Mr Bose did not even answer his own article, is that from shame or is it purely co-incidence? I think that for a sports editor it's a sham. I'm fairly certain Robbo would give more and fuller insight in a blog about WHU and stadium problems that have been going on and on and on for as long as we've known that London would host the olympics. Thanks for the memories (all 2 of them) Mihir, they might justify a license fee to your opinion but definitely not for mine.
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This is hardly original material. And there's nothing new. And there's nothing I didn't know either. Bit pointless really.
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Mr Bose may I actually point out some facts here.
The East Stand has already been granted planning permission for an extension, however this would give a ground capacity of 40,000 not the 50,000 as mentioned.
The East Side could not possibly be extended to hold 50,000 as the entrance to West Ham Bus station is just behind the stand and its cost prohibitive to build a new bus station or entrance to it. At 40,000 the plans are that the buses would actually go underneath the stand and the new stand built over the current road - but with a stand with an extra 10,000 seats this is not workable.
The current board have carried out numerous feasibility studies and it was always deemed unviable to extend the East Stand by 5000 seats as it would also mean building corners to the Centenary and also Bobby Moore Stand to give the stadium a more rounded shape. This is very cost prohibitive for the amount of extra income these seats would give.
The planning permission was actually persued for various other reasons and as a last resort to extend the East Stand rather than a realistic extension to it.
To increase the stand by 15000 seats as you suggest would mean a stand larger than the current DM stand. If you have actually been to Upton Park and gone behind the East Stand you may have noticed that the surrounding area is covered by high rise Residential Tower Blocks. I am not convinced the residents nor council would be too happy about a huge football stand being built within a few feet of their front doors and windows!
May I also suggest given WHUFC have yet to sell out a home fixture this season and a very realistic possibility of relegation this year that the Board would not sanction any development at this time.
My own sources tell me that the Olympic Stadium is very much still a possibility and that the Parcelforce site whilst initially favoured by the club is unlikely to happen due to a stand off over safety issues and the fact gas works remain there.
Also as you correctly state there is growing tension between the local community and West Ham over crowds and congestion. There is very little chance of any council approval of the ground being extended to 50,000. Even with the proposed 40,000 extension the Council would be looking to West Ham to fund some development of Upton Park Tube Station.
As for the comments about being up for sale and the clubs comments, this is very much old news and one the club are spinning out. However I would be gobsmacked if the club is not in new owners hands within 6 months.
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Big clubs like West Ham are always talked about. Can't we give the spotlight to clubs like Chelsea and Man Utd who need some media attention?
We're bored of being the most talked about club in Europe!
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I should add that only little clubs move from their spiritual home to a "corporate ground".
Yes we are looking at you Arsenal, Tottenham and Wigan!
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It seems any criticism of Mr Bose ends up being moderated without any explanation.
Once again, can anyone explain why, out of almost all the BBC bloggers, Mr Bose never responds to the comments?
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lol
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Another cutting edge piece of journalism.
Where would you be without cut and paste?
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What else can you write about West Ham United ( They are buying a top flight Player] SURE
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I think the problem with Mihir's blogs is that they're written in a very boring way. I mean, Robbo rarely ever picks up on anything unpredictable, but at least he has a stab at presenting things in a different light, or - shock! - giving us his personal opinion on something.
I don't mind articles from a financial perspective, but there's no panache here. What about a more indepth look at West Ham's transfer policy over the last few years? Or contrasting their current situation with what it appeared to be when the Icelanders rolled into town a couple of years back?
The trouble here is that there're so many things going on at this club - wage issues, transfer issues, management issues, ground issues, ownership issues. Why waste a blog only commenting on such a small element of it?
I mean, look at it this way. If a sale does go through, which you imply will at the end of your blog, then all the ground plans will change. This, of course, makes all your speculation pointless. Thats right; your conclusion renders the rest of your writing obsolete.
Alex G, that is the problem at hand here - presentation and point. Would it not have been better to analyse potential buyers, their financial power, what they could bring to the club?
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what about a ground share with leyton orient? or they could join their reserves and play at woodside park in bishop's stortford!!!
anyway West Ham have a problem because they are Spurs' feeder club and they don't have anyone we want this year so no money!!
actually you know what we should sign Robert Green!!!
Hammers to hit rock bottom!!!
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They may as yet have to pick a fourth option in the short-term: sit on their hands and do nothing!
If one premiership club is really getting bitten by the recession its West Ham: no shirt sponsor and Icelandic backers that are having a torrid time financially.
Yes, the club needs to do something to generate more income, but the question is does West Ham have the financial clout to do anything?
Answers on a postcard!
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this has got to be the greatest article of all time. I don't know why everyone's complaining. I've never read anything quite as informative in my life. some of the facts and sentences and punctuation are just spellbinding. I don't know how you will ever top this
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All you people bored by this article have no clue. You choose be bored or offended by financial discussions but would prefer to discuss team selection. You are pampered, spoilt victims of socialism! You expect football to be provided and be there to criticise, but do not want to discuss the money issues that subsidise your hobby.
The correct decision about a stadium will make the difference as to whether you have a team to talk about at all.
London should have 2 or 3 super-stadiums that teams share. They could have great spectator facilities and even a roof. Why stadiums are built in Britain without a roof is beyond my understanding?
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Ok so West Ham increase their ground capacity. Do they then freeze or even reduce ticket prices for fans or continue to fleece them like every other premiership club?
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There is of course the unknown element of the Sheffield United settlement that hangs over the club. That makes it difficult for anyone to buy the club or the club themselves to know about future investment plans. From what you read this could be a liability of £30 million or perhaps as low as £300,000 on the clubs books
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Interestingly, an anagram of "West Ham United" is "The New Stadium".
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@27 - If you bothered to look at the plans revealed by spurs last week, you would see that it is proposed to build the new stadium on the existing WHL site, unlike a move to cashburden grove like that other lot up the road.
When you compare the need to extend, the difference of course is that WHL is full for most games, and the waiting list for season tickets could fill the boleyn ground.
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Mihir,
It drives me crazy when I read your posts and it's full of 'I'm told such and such' and 'My sources tell me x, y, and z'.
I work as a copywriter and I need to verify every fact that I write about. This is only correct, itherwise I could write any old nonsense.
I think it's only fair that you clarify where you get your information from, otherwise it's impossible to take these 'revelations' with anything other than a pinch of salt.
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Well as a Hammers fan, I am very interested in this story. My preference would definitely be expansion at the Boleyn Ground rather than any move. I'm still getting over the removal of terracing, couldn't face another change at my age!
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I actually enjoy reading the comments afterwards more than the article.
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#18. At 5:49pm on 17 Nov 2008, Alex G - BBC Sport
Mihir has just rehashed previous stories that are all common knowledge and hasn't bothered to find out anything new. That's the problem with most of his articles and everyone just gets tired of this fact and how poor his blogs are.
Also where was his blog about the Spurs stadium plans!! Surely he has plenty of inside knowledge about that? Why didn't he mention that Spurs are also being mentioned about the Olympic Stadium in the past as well. Also he could be looking at what is happening to Everton and there stadium plans. Even better how about the "End of the honeymoon period for Harry at Spurs!!"
#39. At 01:14am on 18 Nov 2008, Brit-exPat-In-USA
For you to suggest that teams share stadiums just shows how much you fail to understand football and the clubs. It is basically a tribal thing. You do not share your home with the enemy do you!!? I can understand why some people might mention it but it just won't happen unless it is a temporary thing.
Why can't Mihir just give some indepth articles instead of just boring old news. I would have thought he should be producing the better or best blogs on the BBC sports website not the worst ones!!
Also why doesn't he ever reply to the blogs like Robbo does or even Phil McNulty as they also encourage debate as well
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Terrible! Can you please ask someone to explain what a blog is?
"This is modern football for you."
er................ok.
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Actualy while we are on the subject of good and bad blogs, who's do people prefer?
Mines deffinately between Gavin S and Robbo.
Both very different but both very interesting and insightful, with compelling arguments.
The worst is easily that Chick Young geezer, who makes a point then refuses to be debated with on it.. He said something like, 'Pele is the best player and dont even try and argue with me cos i wont listen' or something silly... isnt the point of a blog to share and discuss opinions on subjects like that?? lol dohnut
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ha ha ha - my comment has been referred to the moderators!!!
why? there was nothing offensive only my observation of a wonderfully objective report.
Long live the BBC - very strong in an age of democratic decline
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What? 2 of my comments are referred to moderators? I did not say one thing out of line???? So much for being free to express opinions. What a joke
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This article is news to me. So all you bores who want to fill up space with negative slander, get out of your chairs and do some positive exercise, if you can be bothered ?
Good Idea to keep the Bolyen, it's a spiritual place. Can't see why the olympic stadium proposal is not a goer ? Why not ? On what grounds? Would it not be economical to build the 'ammers stadium first and then put the Olympics in it ? What with all the modern technology we have? It's only a two week showpiece isn't it ? Is a 25 thousand seater going to be big enough for the Olympics ? Good article Mihir, lot's of questions raised.
I'd like to raise the question of the Ramos Diet and the damage done to the Esophagus of William Gallas by cigarette smoke ? You are what you eat ?
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Sorry to be the barer of Bad news, but i know why west ham aint moving to the parcelforce site and why they wouldn't get the olympic stadium.
i am Doing a Dissertation on West Ham United's Stadium for my architecture course and the main reason why they are not moving to Parcelforce site is because the site is contaminated with liquid gas. it'll take 7 years to remove the subtance from the ground. west ham would only get the Olympic stadium is if the council or governing bodies, remove the running track on the outside of the grass verge to allow the stadium to have 50,000 seats. if they dont the stadium will only be averrable for 22,000. thats including the dugouts. so who would be allowed to take that stadium?
leyton orient? not enough average fans per game (sorry),
MK dons? already built another stadium.
Millwall? they wont cross the water, (i dont like millwall, but i respect their pride in staying local)
charlton? same reasons as millwall.
Tottenham? they are getting a new stadium anyway.
QPR? they will want a bigger stadium through the owners being mega rich.
Fulham? they are planning to expand on their existing site.
to be quite honest the only team interested is West Ham, but only if the running track goes.
but there is a possibility of west ham expanding the East Stand. the club have got planning permission and a team ready to start work. the pitch has already been moved closer to the West Stand ( think that might of been the obvious clue), and the funds are there. the amount has been agreed and is in a secure account up canary wharf. a stand that hold 16,000 seats with an underpass route for the buses. then the corners will be filled up on the top and lower tier with another 5,500 seats. the stadium would then be near the 50,000 with out moving.
so why aint west ham got a new stand? the biggest factor is the loss of revenue when closing the 5,000 seater stand. tickets are now £40 each per game and then take into account at least 18 games. thats around £3.6m LOSS a season to build the stand. so thats why they are not pursuing as of yet as the demand of games is taken into account.
personally i think the post is a very poor one indeed and that this writer should really look past the "Recession" Subject. i think recession is a propaganda topic and the media make it out to be worse than what it actually is. i didn't see people moan that we donated £21m to children in need. i know its a good cause but if we were THAT bad then we wouldn't of donated.
but forget the recession, west ham united do have the funds to expand, it's just a matter of time to decide when is the right time to build.
FACT!!!
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#44 if you knew anything about journalism you would know that a journalist NEVER reveals their sources and, in some cases, will even go to jail to avoid doing so. Suggest you Google 'Judith Miller' for a recent example.
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why doesn't mihir ever respond to comments like other bloggers?
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There is absolutely no point in posting anything on these blogs as the BBC just take it off if you are even slightly critical of Mihir's journalism skills.
As for the guy that talked about ground sharing and roofs on stadiums..... The USA has sent you crazy!!!!
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Tevez.
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Well, this is a proverbial hot potato if ever I saw one!
I wouldn't blame the Beeb for just taking the whole think down and trying to forget about it.
(Very interesting post BTW #59. Maybe you should check out the vacancies board on the BBC website...)
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Why are so many people complaining about a Mihir Bose blog. Surely you should know what to expect by now? I think he should be congratulated on not saying "A reliable source tells me that...". Blah blah blah....yawn yawn...
Come on Mihir, seriously mate sort it out for the sake of your career as a sports journalist.....
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When I was growing up, West Ham's ground was more commonly refered to as Upton Park (in the media atleast). When did it become fashionable to call it the Boleyn Ground (I know that's its real name, but it only seems to be commonly used more recently).
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#60
It was announced a few weeks ago on this blog that Everton were about to be sold, with Bill Kenwright being overseas to negotiate a deal - that proved to be completely & utterly incorrect.
Despite numerous comments here asking for some justification of that story's details, none were forthcoming - this is why I'm now sceptical about facts that aren't verified in any way.
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i think a new ground would look nice in the championship
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Big club with big plans! :-)
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I used to think that Mihir Bose wrote rather dull and uninspiring articles that stated the obvious. Reading this has changed my mind. I now KNOW that he does
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@premierleaguePotter
"I don't know why there are always so many negative comments after a Mihir Bose article, ... If you don't like them, don't read them.
Trouble is, you have waste minutes reading them to find out you don't like them. Being football supporters, we always believe the underdog has a chance and this time it might be different, sadly we are wrong again.
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I'm sure West Ham's average home gate of 35,000 would fit nicely into a 50,000 capacity stadium. Unlike Spurs they aren't turning away supporters for games, the team on the pitch is a bottom half Prem team at best - I'd say the worst London team currently in Prem following Fulham's resurgence this season. Building a bigger ground would have a negative effect on atmosphere - all those empty seats don't make much noise.
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its worth the dull blog to stimulate the arguement.
When we expect greatness, we west ham fans turn up. when the new owners made their promises - we sold out the whole season (more or less)
no we're being strictly poor to middling - there are gaps, and we're selling 33000 seats a week.
Any new stadium will be based on future expectations, and should reflect a (realistic) ambition on the pitch. We have the population, and the fans to support greater capacity - we just don't currently have the results.
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Does my licence fee pay this guy's wages??
Refund please
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