Who are Populous? Tottenham lead ground designer appointed to explore opportunities surrounding London Stadium

Populous, the lead designer of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, will work with the London Borough of Newham to “examine how the stadium and the wider campus could evolve into a leisure-led, mixed-use destination” and create “sustainable long-term value from the publicly owned site.”The commission will also consider public realm and landscape improvements across the wider island, including its canal side setting, movement and connections with the surrounding park and emerging neighbourhoods.The London Stadium was originally built as an 80,000-capacity all-seater stadium for the London 2012 Olympics before being repurposed into a 62,500-capacity multi-purpose home for West Ham United in 2016.Populous led the design to redevelop the London Stadium after West Ham struck what critics described as ‘the deal of the century’ with then London Mayor Boris Johnson in 2013, signing a 99-year lease.Despite former West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady proudly promising that the club’s move to the London Stadium would see a “world-class team in a world-class stadium”, the decision has continually drawn criticism from West Ham supporters and taxpayers.Read MoreWhile supporters have consistently lamented the poor atmosphere at the London Stadium and the fact they do not outright own the stadium, taxpayers feel shortchanged, with a significant portion of the stadium’s running costs falling on them rather than West Ham.Development plans have long been in the works for the London Stadium and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with Ms Garner outlining a five-point plan to improve the stadium to City Hall in July.Improvements to the stadium itself are not outlined as part of Populous’s commission, which is working on developing a vision for the area surrounding the London Stadium.However, a London Stadium spokesperson said:“London Stadium is a successful, year-round, multi-use venue, enjoying a unique setting at the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.“We have now appointed Populous to explore potential development and leisure opportunities that will further enhance this outstanding London destination.”London Stadium is a successful, year-round, multi-use venue, enjoying a unique setting at the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic ParkLondon Stadium spokespersonDeclan Sharkey, Global Director and Senior Principal at Populous, added:“London Stadium has a rare combination of a globally recognised venue, excellent transport connections and a distinctive setting within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Our work will explore how new leisure, hospitality and public realm uses could make better use of the surrounding land, strengthen connections with the Park and create a destination that works on event days and throughout the year.“As Lead Consultant, we will bring together the design, operational, commercial and planning requirements to shape a clear and deliverable vision for London Stadium and the communities it serves.”