The Premier League club also plan to install an extended roof as part of the £95 million ($154 million) conversion after the Stadium has staged the Olympics and Paralympics next year.

The extended roof will mean that it will cover all the spectators in the Stadium rather than in its current configuration which only shelters these on the top tier. 

But the decision to remove the 14 triangular floodlights will inevitably lead to criticism as they become a symbol of the Stadium and are already a familiar site on the London skyline.

West Ham's plans also reveal that under plans for configuration for cricket the Stadium will have a capacity of 71,000, making it the fourth largest cricket ground in the world.

Although plans are still at an early stage and no architect has yet been appointed, West Ham officials are also exploring various temporary retractable seating options.

West Ham hope to put a design and build contract out to tender shortly, a process that is expected to take up to three months.


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