West Ham United have announced on their website that a decision has been reached on the future of the Boleyn Ground, or Upton Park, as it is more prosaically known, after they move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. Local London developer Gaillard Group has reached an agreement to purchase the stadium after the move is completed.
West Ham United have announced on their website that a decision has been reached on the future of the Boleyn Ground, or Upton Park, as it is more prosaically known, after they move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016. Local London developer Gaillard Group has reached an agreement to purchase the stadium after the move is completed.
Following a competitive bidding process, West Ham United selected Galliard Group as the purchaser for the site ahead of a number of other national and international companies. The Club was impressed with Galliard Group’s links to the local community and their commitment to honouring the history of the Hammers at the Boleyn Ground as part of their proposed development.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: “We opted to reach an agreement with Galliard because they are a local London developer and employer with origins in east London. We know they are committed to working closely with the local community and Newham Council on proposals to transform the site into a residential and retail village, which will benefit the local community and east London’s regional economy. The deal demonstrates that we have been true to our word by securing the regeneration of two areas of east London through our move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
“In addition, and most importantly for us, we can see that Galliard are passionate about working with West Ham United to engage their supporters to help deliver a fitting legacy that will honour the tradition of the famous ground. We are confident that West Ham United fans will be excited about their vision and the way they plan to respect more than 100 years of West Ham history at Upton Park.”
Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, said: “We have always maintained that West Ham United’s relocation to Stratford had the potential to deliver an Olympic Legacy beyond Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as a key part of the comprehensive regeneration of Green Street and Upton Park. The prospect of much needed homes, jobs and community spaces for this area is an exciting one.”
Galliard’s proposals seek to provide new homes and both complementary and innovative ground floor retail and leisure facilities, complete with underground parking. Galliard also plan to undertake discussions with the family of Bobby Moore regarding the proposed development of a central landscaped garden, which would be named the Bobby Moore Memorial Garden, providing a fitting tribute to the legacy of West Ham United at the iconic site.
Under proposals also being considered, fans and local residents would be invited to enter a poll to name each building after a legendary player or an historic event at the Club.
In addition, Galliard have commissioned world-renowned sculptress, Frances Siegelman, to create a statue of Bobby Moore and other artwork celebrating the heritage of the Football Club, which would be located in the gardens and grounds of the new village. Under the plans, the current West Ham memorial garden by the front entrance to the grounds would also be retained, protected and incorporated into the new development.
It’s not easy when a club moves to a new ground as fans have a strong attachment to it and its surroundings. However, Arsenal seemed to handle the much needed move from Highbury to the Emirates well. Whether the Olympic Stadium will be quite so atmospheric for West Ham remains to be seen.
The Boleyn Ground has always had a good atmosphere because it is so tightly packed. In some ways one regrets the replacement of such historic grounds, but its capacity is insufficient for a club determined to progress within the Premier League.