Arsenal's Stadium Development

Arsenal FC's decision to construct a new stadium at Ashburton Grove has proved the catalyst for a much wider regeneration scheme, including housing and community projects. The £357m scheme has successfully negotiated a series of planning and financing difficulties and is now well underway, with the stadium due to open in time for the 2006/07 season.

The Development
The main driver behind the project has been Arsenal's desire to increase the capacity of their ground, which at 38,500 is significantly below that of some of their main rivals. The construction of a new 60,000-seater stadium will address this problem.

The stadium itself is but one element of the overall project. There will be a wider development around Lough Road, with the provision of new housing (including affordable provision) and a sealed waste and recycling plant. Community healthcare facilities (including a primary healthcare centre) and a children's nursery will also be constructed. Public transport improvements will also be undertaken as part of the project. The scheme is projected to create 1,800 jobs, over 2,500 new houses and lever approximately £400m into the area.

As well as these developments at Ashburton Grove, housing will be constructed on the site of the present stadium, a process which includes converting the Art Deco stands into flats costing up to £750,000. The North and South Stands will be demolished to make way for mews developments, which will include an affordable housing component.

London Met Links
The University already contributes to youth and educational programmes run by Arsenal, with one example being the 'Double Club', where students volunteer to help local children with literacy, numeracy and ICT and study skills before coaching them at football. This relationship will further develop in line with Arsenal's greater community commitment associated with the stadium development.

To read The London Office's briefing on the Arsenal redevelopment click on the link below.