Olympic Stadium cost grows

The cost of converting the Olympic Stadium for football has grown.   The final bill has now risen to £272m, most of which will be met by the taxpayer.    The total cost of the stadium will be £709m, whereas Wembley was built for £798m in 2007 and the Millennium Stadium cost £121m in 1999.

The cost of converting the Olympic Stadium for football has grown.   The final bill has now risen to £272m, most of which will be met by the taxpayer.    The total cost of the stadium will be £709m, whereas Wembley was built for £798m in 2007 and the Millennium Stadium cost £121m in 1999.

Most of the renovation cost will be met by the taxpayer via a one-off settlement of £148.8m in 2010.  £40m came from the original budget for the Olympics, £25m from the government.  UK Athletics has invested £1m and the London Marathon Charitable Trust has provided £3.5m.     Newham council has invested £40m.

West Ham will make a £15m contribution to the renovation cost and pay £2.5m a year in rent on a 99-year lease.  They hope that the increased income from ticket sales will enable them to challenge for a top five position.