MORE than 50 MPs signed their support for the West Ham United and Newham Council joint bid to take over the Olympic Stadium in Stratford after the Games.

The first image of how the Olympic Stadium could look as part of the proposed bid was unveiled by West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady and Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales at a House of Commons reception hosted by West Ham MP Lyn Brown.

The computer-generated image shows an extended roof which would add to the intimate feel created by the impressive sightlines and seating lay-outs, as well as a taste of some of the wider facilities to be included in the state of the art complex.

The stadium – at the heart of the Olympic Park - would include a football museum, interactive learning facilities and be a home sport for elite, club, community and school athletes of all discipline. Under the plans, it would be open for use as soon as summer 2014.

The event saw dozens of MPs from all the main political parties signing a pledge board confirming their support for the West Ham-Newham Council Bid including Tessa Jowell, the Olympics Minister when the 2012 Games were awarded to London in July 2005.

Also present were Westfield and Live Nation -global leaders in construction and entertainment events respectively – along with UK Athletics and Essex Cricket.

Lyn Brown MP said: “As you can see, we have cross-Parliamentary support for this Bid. It is a strong bid, it is the only bid that makes sense, puts money back into the community and makes sure our children have a sporting future.”

Making the formal presentation were Karren Brady and Newham Council Chief Executive Kim Bromley-Derry, while West Ham Chairman David Gold and Sir Robin Wales also addressed the audience. Sir Robin emphasised the importance of ploughing investment back into the community while Mr Gold spoke of his personal attachment to the East End.

Karren Brady said: “This image gives a true sense of how the Olympic Stadium would look post-conversion – a truly multi-purpose, multi-event stadium that would stand as a true home for sport in this country. On 6 July 2005, a promise was made in the Queen’s name. We believe in that promise and we believe in legacy.

“It’s important for the UK’s credibility as a sporting nation - especially in the wake of the 2018 FIFA World Cup disappointment - to keep that promise. Pulling down the stadium would waste half-a-billion pounds in taxpayers’ money.”

Kim Bromley-Derry said: “We see the stadium as a key catalyst in the regeneration of London. Football is pivotal, of course, but it is also a golden opportunity for other sports. It’s all about creating an Olympic and multi-sport legacy for the UK and securing an economic legacy for Newham and London.”

West Ham United also revealed that Westfield as professional advisors for the planning, design and construction elements of our bid for the Olympic Stadium and adjoining site.

Westfield already has strong working relationships within the borough of Newham, including with the Olympic Delivery Authority. Westfield has delivered substantial civil and construction works on behalf of the ODA during the course of developing Stratford City. The company is therefore familiar with some of the site and logistical considerations when undertaking works on and around the Olympic Park.

Karren Brady, West Ham United Vice-Chairman, said: “I am delighted we are working so closely with Westfield on the Olympic Stadium. They have an outstanding track record and bring significant credibility and creativity to the project. We are all very excited about the fantastic plans for the stadium and their experience and resources will support proposals becoming a reality.”

Westfield is the largest retail property group in the world . The company has allocated an experienced senior team of planners, design executives, project managers and commercial managers to assist with the stadium bid. The team is being augmented with other specialists, including Populous, the global leaders in stadium design and architects for the Olympic Stadium.

West Ham United and Newham Council are also supported on their bid by Live Nation, UK Athletics, Essex Cricket, London City Airport, ExCeL and University of East London.

West Ham United also borrowed a phrase from the Recorder in their bid. As readers know, we are “ More than a local newspaper . “ The West ham bid is described as “More than a Football Stadium.”

In the “New Era, NewVision” Document issued by West Ham, the bid is described as a legacy for football and the nation and athletics.

It would be used in the Race For Champions, Festivals, Half and End stage concerts, football, NFL, Australian Rules football, athletics, 20:20 Cricket, Rugby and Theatrical shows.

“It will leave an environmental legacy and a legacy for the whole community,” says the bid document, which contains quotes from various backers, including Lord Coe, who again repeats the promises made about athletics when the original bid was made.