ODA denies seeking Qatar investment in £900m Olympic Village

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has denied that it is trying to persuade the Qatar Investment Authority to invest in the £900m Olympic Village.

The move follows reports that Middle Eastern investors could be brought on board to plug the £400m funding gap in the Village as Lend Lease struggles to raise cash for the project.

ODA chief executive David Higgins said: "There continues to be a wide range of speculation about the Olympic Village, but neither the Qatar Investment Authority nor Chelsfield Partners, in which the Qatar Investment Authority owns a stake, have any involvement in the discussions regarding the funding of the Olympic Village."

But plans are being considered to relocate the Olympic media centre to the Stratford City shopping centre next door.

CJ understands that talks were held last week between London 2012 chiefs and Stratford City developer Westfield.

Olympic leaders have been forced to find alternative plans as media centre developer Carillion/Igloo struggles to stump up its half share of the £380m funding.

One Olympic source said: "Both sides had talks last week and the idea is definitely live.

"On Stratford City there are a number of elements like a conference centre, which could be used temporarily to host the media during the Games."