By Daniel Etchells

The cost of converting the Olympic Stadium now stands at £189.9 million ($304.3 million/€240.6 million) ©West HamA further £35.9 million ($57.5 million/€45.5 million) will be paid by the London Legacy Development Corporation towards the cost of converting the Olympic Stadium, it has been revealed.

Multinational infrastructure group Balfour Beatty signed a £154 million contract ($247 million/€195 million) in January to turn the Stadium into a multi-sports venue which will host five matches during the 2015 Rugby World Cup and be home to West Ham United Football Club from 2016. 

But the the Legacy Company revealed the soaring costs of supporting the world's "largest single-span cantilever roof", due to strengthening work required to the main roof truss, means the value of the contract has been increased to £189.9 million ($304.3 million/€240.6 million).

So the extra funding will not be paid for by either West Ham or the British taxpayer. 

West Ham United Football Club will play their home games at the Olympic Stadium from the start of the 2016-17 season ©West HamWest Ham United Football Club will play their home games at the Olympic Stadium from the start of the 2016-17 season ©West Ham



A statement from the Legacy Company, the not-for-profit organisation responsible for re-developing the Olympic Park, said extra money would come from the project contingencies and additional income they will generate from their other developments, which insidethegames understands will include other venues and the construction of approximately 6,800 homes.

"We will continue to deliver the most successful Olympic legacy in the history of the Games," the statement said.

"We are committed to creating a new heart for east London with new jobs and homes, alongside iconic sporting venues and beautiful parklands."

The cost of the Stadium, including its conversion, is now more than £600 million ($961 million/€760 million).

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