[PAH]

I just can't understand why they didn't build a running track around Wembley, as they originally intended, instead of building yet another stadium that's hardly going to be used.

Is it because Wembley's not in the right area of London, so they're forced to waste resources that could be put to use elsewhere? If so, maybe they should have thought of that when they built Wembley, and relocated it when they had chance.

I don't for a second believe they'll come in on budget either. They even admitted so during the announcement, saying there was a contingency fund if costs escalated further.

As for the plan to downsize it afterwards and find another use for it. I hope it doesn't end up like the Millenium Dome.

To top it off, even Seb Coe said there's no shortage of modern stadiums in London. To need to build another one seems like very poor planning to me.

[Godspeed]

Originally Posted by PAH

I don't for a second believe they'll come in on budget either. They even admitted so during the announcement, saying there was a contingency fund if costs escalated further.

That's the last thing you want the contractors to know

It would be bad enough informing your plumber that just incase there is any unforseen circumstances while fixing your boiler you've got an extra ££££ to cover it

[Greg]

£500 million seems a bargain to me. Especially as according to the fools who type Sky News ticker the refurbishment of St Pancras station cost 36 billion (supposed to be 36 million I'm guessing)

So many high numbers are thrown about these days. But they did mention the Emirates stadium cost £357 million, so I suppose with costs of the land, conversion costs etc £500m isn't that much more.

[Kieron]

Build it and Spurs can have it after the farcical games. Ala Man City etc.

[zmoosa1]

Originally Posted by Kieron

Build it and Spurs can have it after the farcical games. Ala Man City etc.

It'll be too big for a Championship side!!

[thfccambs]

Originally Posted by Kieron

Build it and Spurs can have it after the farcical games. Ala Man City etc.

Personally hoping for a new stadium in the next few years,don't want to wait until 2012.

[Reepicheep]

I believe they are looking for a team to take over the stadium after the olympics have finished and the extra temporary seating has been removed. (a bit like the Manchester City stadium after the Commonwealth Games).

As for Wembley - wasn't the original plan to have a running track and make it a multi-use stadium, but the FA only wanted it as a football stadium?

[Greg]

Originally Posted by zmoosa1

It'll be too big for a Championship side!!

Actually it will be far too small. It will be best suited to a League 1 or 2 side or a Rugby Union team. Don't forget it will only have 25,000 seats after the games.

[DrWise]

they say its £500 million but how can we be so sure that is the true amount they are going to spend
all those taxpayers money they using for silly projects is beyond me

[Wild Weasel]

Originally Posted by Greg

£500 million seems a bargain to me.

Well we all know that it will overun to closer to £1 Billion. There's a lot of snouts in the Olympic trough.

I was absolutely gutted when we were awarded the 2012 games. We could have had it for free in Paris and used the new Eurostar to visit it if we wanted.

Especially as according to the fools who type Sky News ticker the refurbishment of St Pancras station cost 36 billion (supposed to be 36 million I'm guessing)

Around £800 million I believe. Journalists are notoriously inumberate.

[PAH]

Originally Posted by Reepicheep

As for Wembley - wasn't the original plan to have a running track and make it a multi-use stadium, but the FA only wanted it as a football stadium?

Yep. I remember seeing initial design proposals that had a running track that could be retracted or something, so it could still feel like a proper football stadium with the spectators right next to the pitch come match day.

Can't see why the FA would insist on football only. Isn't it getting more use as a venue for various concerts and annual shows inbetween the England home matches and the FA Cup Final? Hardly ever used for football really.

[JohnG]

I can't understand why they want to reduce it to 25,000 once the games are over

[Wild Weasel]

Originally Posted by JohnG

I can't understand why they want to reduce it to 25,000 once the games are over

It's so when the 10 days of the Olympics is over, they can have a medium sized white elephant left behind instead of a huge one. It's called a damage limitation exercise, or 'blame management'.

They should get West Ham, Tottenham or Manchester United to move there after it's done. It'd save the Man United fans a trip up the M6 for every home game.

[Jeff]

It's got to be the worst looking olympic stadium in living history. It looks like a temporary structure, maybe because it is one.

[Steven]

Looks naff, as above and I believe the Olympic bill will rise yet - this is Labour we are talking about

I mean the stadium costs had to rise to the current price because they "forgot" to factor in VAT

Riiiiight

[BlackCountryBob]

I just don't get how you can spend so much money on a stadium that is 2/3 temporary and has an external structure of nylon, sounds like someone is skimming a couple of quid off the budget for them self to buy a nice holiday home in Tuscany (or infant all Tuscany). Just seems a bit odd that for nearly £100million less, Arsenal built the 60,000 seater (and permanent) Emirates Stadium.

Why not just redevelop the existing Crystal Palace stadium, build some new stands etc.

[Greg]

Whilst I can see logic in the idea of the temporary stadium, I do fail to see why it will cost so much.

The temporary stadium turned into a useable stadium is a very good idea. The superb Athens stadium just stands empty crumbling away, the Sydney Olympic stadium stood empty for years before someone finally started using it.

[arthurdentpc]

When you consider that Japan and S Korea built 3 or 4 similar sized World Cup stadia for a total of £500m, you have to wonder.

It must be the most expensive 25,000 seater stadium in history - and for a long time to come.