Tottenham and Leyton Orient Denied Judicial Review for Olympic Stadium Decision

English Premier League soccer club Tottenham Hotspur and English League One side Leyton Orient have both had their bids for a judicial review of the Olympic Stadium decision rejected.

The two London clubs objected to the Olympic Park Legacy Company’s verdict that English Championship club West Ham United and Newham Council should be the future occupants of the venue.

However, Judge Mr Justice Davis told them there are no grounds for a review.

A Spurs statement said they would consider their options over the next few days, with a renewal of their application at an oral hearing in the High Court possible.

The statement, posted on the club’s website, added: “The club continues to hold discussions with both local and national government bodies in order to seek to determine a feasible stadium solution.”

The Olympic Park Legacy Company responded to the news: “We are pleased with the ruling and continue to make good progress in our negotiations with the preferred bidder in order to be in a position to agree the final terms for the stadium’s lease.”

Newham Council, who have arranged a US$64m loan to finance West Ham’s move to the stadium, said: “We are continuing to focus on securing a lasting legacy for the stadium and, together with West Ham United, are progressing well with the Olympic Park Legacy Company on bringing the matter to a commercial and financial close.”

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said: “We welcome today’s news as a further endorsement of our strong and viable legacy vision.

“We hope we can now focus all our energy and passion on delivering a fantastic multi-use Olympic Stadium for the whole nation.

“We were honoured to be unanimously chosen as preferred bidder by the OPLC. Their decision, after a robust and diligent process, was subsequently backed by the Mayor of London and government.

“Our vision – in partnership with the London Borough of Newham – remains for a globally-recognised destination for all, with community at its core, capable of hosting world-class sporting events, including top-level football and athletics.”

East London club West Ham, who were relegated from the English Premier League last season, were unanimously chosen as the preferred occupant. Their proposals for the Olympic stadium include a reduction of the stadium’s capacity from 80,000 to 60,000 seats after the Olympics, and to use it as a multipurpose venue, retaining the running track.