Regeneration of Wembley
The benefits of having the national stadium at Wembley are far reaching for the local area, the London Borough of Brent and indeed the Capital as a whole. The stadium is being used to stimulate the regeneration of its surrounding area and Brent Council, as well as Wembley National Stadium Limited, are determined to maximise the positive impact of the new Wembley Stadium on the area.
The Stadium development, designed as a public transport destination, prompted the delivery of massively improved transport solutions. More than £70m was invested to upgrade roads, rail and pedestrian routes, partly through Wembley Stadium funding, ensuring that the infrastructure copes with the influx of fans on major event days – a benefit not only on event days but for local residents and businesses 365 days a year.
An ambitious regeneration project that is fast transforming Wembley into a world-class leisure destination is also well underway. In November 2002, Brent Council launched their Vision for a new Wembley, challenging all stakeholders to imagine a new Wembley and setting out a radical blueprint for the future of the area with the national stadium at its heart.
The key components of that Vision include:
- The new National Stadium
- A community focus for Brent
- A national, regional and local leisure destination
- The London Convention Centre
- A centre for work
- An accessible development
- A cultural and educational centre
- High quality commercial and retail facilities
- A mixture of housing types and tenures
In June 2004 Brent Council and private developer Quintain both unveiled exciting plans for the area that will deliver thousands of jobs and homes with massively improved local facilities.
Planning permission was granted for an ambitious mixed-use development proposal covering some 50 acres of land surrounding the stadium. Quintain Estates and Development plc has started work on site to develop the land around the stadium and their plans look set to create a vibrant development that will create new jobs, homes, leisure facilities, shops, bars, restaurants, offices, a hotel and major new public spaces.
An array of partners have been involved in ensuring that the unique opportunity to regenerate and invigorate the local area of Wembley is captialised on to the full.
For more information on the regeneration of the Wembley area visit www.wembleycity.co.uk and www.brent.gov.uk/wembley.
