As long-term tenants in London Stadium, West Ham United are reliant upon their landlords regarding changes to the structure and maintenance of the stadium which is the responsibility of London Legacy Development Corporation. The stadium costs Londoners upwards of £8 million a year to run – which was a 2021 figure so it will be considerably higher now.
A new infrastructure project, costing some £4.5 million is due to start shortly, which will transform it into “one of the world’s greenest sports and concert venues”, according to The Standard.
Apparently “a vast ‘solar membrane’ covering the roof of London’s former Olympic stadium has been granted planning permission and will start construction imminently. The panels’ annual output is expected to be equivalent to the power used for 20 football matches, four concerts, two MLB games and one international athletics meet.”
According to the politicians: London’s deputy mayor for environment and energy said: “These solar panels are a game changer for the London Stadium..Hugely reducing its energy use and running costs”
The installation will be completed by summer 2025 and start generating electricity immediately.
At that rate it will pay for itself in about 11 years – by which time, you never know, they might even have fixed the Wi-fi inside the stadium too.
