West Ham United have once again been awarded the right to make the Olympic Stadium in east London their home from the start of the 2016/17 season.

The decision, announced earlier, potentially brings to a close the arduous negotiations over the future of the stadium which have rumbled on since the end of the Games.

Having been bound by strict confidentiality agreements imposed upon them, the club are now set to embark on a detailed, independent supporter consultation process to help ensure the Stratford stadium matches the high standards Hammers fans would expect from their new home.

Vice-chairman Karren Brady said: “I am delighted that we have been confirmed today as the anchor concessionaire for the Olympic Stadium.

“I commend my two chairmen for their passion and commitment.

“I am delighted this has been rewarded now that their ambition to see the Club they love enjoy a bright future at the Olympic Stadium has been realised.

“It was important to me that we struck a deal that would stand the test of time that represented the right deal for West Ham United and our loyal and patient supporters.

“The consultation we have promised them will now begin and we can’t wait to work with them to create a stunning new home that befits the pride, passion and tradition that the world associates with West Ham United.”

The move was made possible after the national UK government agreed to put in an extra £25 mullion toward the costs of converting the venue.

The additional money takes the contribution to around £60 million.

In turn, West Ham agreed to increase their own funding of the project by £5 million, to £15 million.

Conversion of the stadium is likely to cost anything up to £200 million.

Under conversion plans, the roof will be extended and the seating capacity reduced from 80,000 to 54,000, with a retractable system allowing the venue to be converted from an athletics arena to football stadium within days.