The London Legacy Development Corporation today said it was extending the deadline for bids from potential tenants by eight weeks after only receiving four bids.

But the legacy body said the delay would not impact on the bidding process to transform the Olympic stadium after the games.

Sixteen prospective tenants expressed an interest in moving into the stadium, but detailed proposals have been received from West Ham, Leyton Orient and two others.

The Legacy Corporation has now agreed to extend the bid deadline after clarifying several concerns, which prevented some of the other 12 interested groups from bidding.

These included allowing sporting organisations to bid before obtaining formal approval from their governing body, and several details about technical improvements to the Stadium in the rebuild.

Prospective tenants will also get the opportunity to exploit Stadium naming rights.

Andrew Altman, Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, said: “The fundamentals have not changed and it remains our intention to sign construction contracts for converting the Stadium at the end of October.

“This is a significant public asset and a 99 year lease, and it is right that we take the time now to get the best possible outcome for the Stadium.”

He added: “We want to make the process as competitive as possible and extending the competition period will allow all parties that registered an initial interest in the Stadium another chance to bid.”

Meanwhile, several firms are understood to have submitted PQQs at the start of this month for the 18-month design and build contract to transform the stadium from 80,000 to 60,000 seats.

It is envisaged that the scope of the works will include, as a minimum, the design, manufacture and supply of the structural and non-structural roof cables, although more details have to be agreed about the job.

The scope may be extended to design and manufacture of structural steel support elements and roof coverings.