West Ham agree a deal to redevelop Upton Park following Olympic stadium move

Upton Park

English Premier League club West Ham United have agreed a deal to sell their stadium Upton Park to a developer once their move to the Olympic Stadium is completed in 2016.

West Ham have said that they have chosen The Galliard Group, as the successful bidder for the site, as they share close links with the community and also plan to honour the club’s history in the redevelopment plan.

The West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said: “We opted to reach an agreement with Galliard because they are a local London developer and employer with origins in east London.

“We know they are committed to working closely with the local community and Newham council on proposals to transform the site into a residential and retail village, which will benefit the local community and east London’s regional economy.

“The deal demonstrates that we have been true to our word by securing the regeneration of two areas of east London through our move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.

“In addition, and most importantly for us, we can see that Galliard are passionate about working with West Ham United to engage their supporters to help deliver a fitting legacy that will honour the tradition of the famous ground.

“We are confident that West Ham United fans will be excited about their vision and the way they plan to respect more than 100 years of West Ham history at Upton Park.”

New homes coupled with retail and leisure facilities along with underground facilities have been planned to be completed by 2018 at the Upton Park area.

The Galliard Group have also contacted the family of the late Booby Moore regarding the possibility of placing a landscape garden in the honour of the West Ham and England captain. Plans for a statue of Moore and artwork to commemorate the history of West Ham are also under-way.

Roberta Moore, Moore’s daughter, said: “I have always believed that there should be some form of permanent West Ham United presence at the Boleyn Ground site after the team leave and I’m really pleased that the centre point of the development is planned to be named in honour of my father.

“Hopefully the new sculptures and buildings being proposed will also help ensure that a lasting legacy to the club, my father and his team-mates is left at Upton Park.”