The announcement of a remarkable £800 million new stadium in close proximity to West Ham has incited anger, primarily because the decision regarding this rests with the Government.
A significant portion of West Ham fans have gradually grown accustomed to the London Stadium, marking seven years since the club’s somewhat distressing move from Upton Park to Stratford. Over this time, new matchday routines have taken shape. However, persistent issues such as the substantial distance between the stands and the pitch, gaps between the upper and lower tiers, long security check queues at the entry points, and the well-known stop-and-go system when exiting the stadium remain points of contention. Moreover, the club’s lack of ownership over their football ground, owing to a 92-year anchor tenancy agreement with the LLDC, continues to be a source of dissatisfaction for those who believe the Hammers should have relocated to a purpose-built stadium of their own.
Now, there is potential for a purpose-built arena to be constructed right on the club’s doorstep, and this prospect has left many locals unhappy. Plans for an incredible £800 million stadium near West Ham have stirred up a storm of protests, especially since the final decision rests with the Government.
In Stratford, certain local residents and businesses have raised concerns about the proposed construction of a 300-foot Las Vegas-style sphere near the London Stadium. The Madison Square Garden Entertainment Company, known for the massive sphere in Las Vegas, is planning to replicate a similar stadium near West Ham’s ground if they obtain the necessary approvals.
This 21,500-seat stadium is expected to feature animated advertisements for the next 25 years. However, the plans have yet to gain approval from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Michael Gove.
Several residents have threatened to move out of their long-standing homes if the plans proceed, with light pollution being a significant point of contention. Business owners have also voiced concerns about introducing another venue to an area already coping with large crowds attending West Ham matches, the Westfield shopping center, and The Abba Arena.
One of the locals, Ivan Sahagun, the owner of El Cafecito, a small coffee stand near Stratford International Station, has noted an influx of customers during West Ham games at the London Stadium and visits to Westfield. He believes that the area and resources could be put to better use.
West Ham MP Lyn Brown, who opposes the construction, has labeled the sphere as “monstrous” and expressed worries about additional strain on local transportation. Stratford train station, the fifth busiest in the UK, already handles passengers from Westfield shopping center, West Ham’s 62,500-seat stadium, and commuters traveling to and from central London.
As part of the plans, MSG intends to occupy up to three floors of the nearby Stratford International Car Park, which is frequently used by West Ham fans who drive to matches on game days, exclusively for their venue. The application’s current status can be further explored on the dedicated planning section of the Queen Elizabeth Park website.