The stunning transformation of West Ham United's future home continues to gather pace, with Monday's landmark appointment of Balfour Beatty Group Ltd as lead contractor to convert the Olympic Stadium.
The E20 Stadium Partnership, established between the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) and Newham Council, has awarded the £154 million contract to Balfour Beatty to ready the iconic venue for West Ham United from 2016.
The international infrastructure group won the right to lead work on the Stadium's magnificent new roof in the summer and is now set to spearhead the remainder of the venue's much-anticipated transformation into a UEFA category four football Stadium.
Balfour Beatty's remit will include the relocation inside the turnstile line of key facilities such as the concessions and toilets (as at other traditional football stadia), landscaping, the construction of first class hospitality suites and a distinctive new building that is set to become the Club's exclusive ticket office and flagship Store.
During construction, Balfour Beatty expects to employ up to 400 people and will work with Workplace, Newham Council's employment service, to employ local residents.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We welcome this important announcement which marks the start of a significant year for the conversion of the Olympic Stadium into a world-class football stadium which will become West Ham United's new home.
"By the close of 2014 we hope to have seen the majority of the work on the stunning new roof finalised, ahead of its completion in spring next year.
"I, along with my team, will be working closely with the LLDC and Balfour Beatty every step of the way to ensure that the conversion delivers a Stadium that West Ham fans can be proud of and that guarantees them an unrivalled experience on a matchday.''
Balfour Beatty Chief Executive, Andrew McNaughton, said: "We are delighted to be continuing our activity at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park supporting the legacy commitment made as part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"During construction, our firm commitment to the use of local labour and the creation of apprenticeships will continue to benefit the local community and the wider industry and, upon completion, the Stadium will provide a first-class sporting and cultural facility for many generations to come. Balfour Beatty is proud to be associated with this project."
In addition to reconfiguring the world's largest cantilevered roof, Balfour Beatty will also take charge of constructing state-of-the-art spectator and hospitality facilities which are set to create a global benchmark in spectator experience and sports hospitality. Works will commence on site in early 2014 and are due for completion in the spring of 2016.