Leyton Orient consider stadium switch

Pa
Friday 25 February 2011 06:39 EST
Comments
Orient could move to the Olympic Park
Orient could move to the Olympic Park

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn is considering moving the club to a new home on the 2012 Olympic Park.

Hearn has opposed the decision to name West Ham as preferred bidders to move into the Olympic Stadium, and has written to the likes of Prime Minister David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson to express his objections.

He has also been looking for answers from the Premier League, who would have to ratify West Ham's plans to move grounds.

Orient are the club closest to the Olympic Stadium site, and Hearn believe their existence would be threatened by the arrival of the Hammers.

He has threatened to take legal action if Orient are allowed to suffer from the existence of a Premier League club on their doorstep.

But Hearn said a meeting with Waltham Forest Council leader Chris Robbins has given him encouragement, after learning the club can count on their support and want to keep Orient in the borough.

"For the first time I actually felt a glimmer of hope," Hearn told The Guardian.

"It was totally their idea. They don't want to lose us. In a way the benefits of this FA Cup run have crystallised their thinking on what's important to their community. At the moment I'm keeping all my options open - and threatening to sue everybody."

Hearn said the council had proposed Orient looking at land for a new home on the Eton Manor site, which has been redeveloped for the Olympics.

"We talked about making some kind of presentation to the OPLC - saying there might be a deal to build a new stadium, the Olympic Community Stadium, where I would bring Orient and, also, I think, Saracens Rugby Club, because they're good friends of mine and they're very keen to move," Hearn said.

Under such a plan, Orient would sell their Brisbane Road home, owned by veteran sports promoter Hearn, and invest profits from that deal into building the new stadium.

Hearn says the additional funds required for the stadium would have to be found without relying on the tax-payer.

He added: "Let's have a planning meeting with everyone and say: 'Can this work? Let's make a proper business proposal.' I think the Premier League would help as well but everyone must sit down. And let's not do anything in haste. Otherwise, the legal process kicks in."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in