Leyton Orient Denied Judicial Review for Olympic Stadium Decision

Leyton Orient may have to end their battle for the Olympic Stadium after the League One club lost their chance for a judicial review which would of looked into the decision to grant West Ham the tenancy of the Olympic Stadium.

The club had said the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) was wrong to award sole tenancy of the stadium to Premier League West Ham. Orient claimed their bid for a ground-share was not considered properly.

Orient argued they did not want to “disrupt or delay” West Ham’s move.

But lawyers for the corporation said their case was “unarguable” and “lacked merit”.

At the High Court, Mr Justice Lewis said the London Legacy Development Corporation  had made the decisions it was entitled to make and those decisions were not irrational and refused the review.

Earlier, Adam Lewis QC, representing the club, said: “Leyton Orient does not suggest that it would be viable as a sole occupant of the stadium.

“Nor does it seek by these proceedings to prevent, disrupt or delay West Ham’s move to the stadium.

“Rather Leyton Orient wishes to be allowed back into the procurement competition… and to be awarded a concession to use the stadium jointly with West Ham.”

In a statement the LLDC said: “We welcome the ruling and are pleased that Mr Justice Lewis agrees that we ran a fair, open and transparent competition to appoint concessionaires for the stadium.

“We believe the agreement we have with West Ham United Football Club and UK Athletics will deliver a fantastic sporting and community legacy in east London and represents the best deal for the taxpayer.”

West Ham issued a statement on their website welcoming the news.

It read: “West Ham United welcome the decision to not grant permission for a judicial review into the LLDC’s process that awarded the club the opportunity to make the Olympic Stadium its home in 2016.

“Although the application for a judicial review would not have had any impact on West Ham United’s move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Club have always believed the process was robust, fair and transparent.

“The club and other key stakeholders in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park can now focus fully on progressing their ground-breaking plans to create a stunning venue of which the whole country can be proud, alongside a long-lasting and tangible Olympic legacy with a real community club at its core.

“West Ham United will continue its consultation with supporters to ensure the Hammers’ new home is the pride of east London and the envy of the rest of the footballing world.”

Leyton Orient owner Barry Hearn was unavailable to comment.

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