Destination Tottenham: How Spurs’ New Stadium is Sparking Regeneration
April 16, 2019
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The building of Tottenham Hotspur’s new home marks the beginning of a bright new dawn for Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium is a catalyst for regeneration as part of a major new area-wide development scheme led by the club. The scheme represents a near £1billion private sector investment, improving the local environment, attracting visitors and benefitting local businesses. When complete, it will support 3,500 new jobs with an estimated £293millon pumped into the local economy each year — an increase of 1,700 new jobs and £166million in spending.
The club’s commitment to the local area has already seen the delivery of 258 new affordable homes, a new primary school, a supermarket, gym and shops; as well as new state-funded Sixth Form school, offering opportunities to give the area’s brightest students the chance to progress to leading universities.
Alongside these new facilities, Populous’ stadium masterplan fulfils the club’s ambition to create a new sport, leisure and entertainment destination in north London, drawing an influx of an estimated two million visitors per year.
Christopher Lee, Populous EMEA Managing Director and Project Director for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, explains his belief that stadiums should be a hub for the community — civic buildings that serve a function above and beyond the matchday experience: “They should be somewhere that local people can use and engage with all year round, not these huge spaces that are locked down after a match day. People describe stadiums as cathedrals of the 21st century, but I think of them more like town halls.”
"People describe stadiums as cathedrals of the 21st century, but I think of them more like town halls.”
Christopher Lee, Managing Director, Populous EMEA
Year-round attractions
On the High Road, the team has created the Tottenham Experience, a new visitor’s that ensures the stadium is a hive of activity 365 days a year. The design breathes new life into the Grade II listed Warmington House, respectfully incorporating the historic building as part of a forthcoming innovative and immersive museum experience, alongside the largest club retail space in Europe and a café.
The Tottenham Experience is also the starting point for stadium tours and a “skywalk” attraction, offering visitors the chance to climb the exterior of the stadium up to a viewing platform on the roof. Here they will enjoy spectacular views across the London skyline, looking out towards iconic landmarks such Alexandra Palace and The Shard, with the option to abseil 40 metres back down.
First-class facilities
In the East Stand, Populous has created an enormous, 520-seat banqueting hall, forming part of London’s third largest conference facility, with a new hotel planned for the south-west of the stadium site.
The integration of a fully retractable pitch, which slides under the South Stand to reveal an artificial playing surface beneath, allows for a stadium content programme unmatched at any other UK sport or entertainment venue — without compromising the quality of the hallowed turf. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host NFL matches and concerts amongst other large-scale sports and cultural events, drawing tens of thousands of new visitors throughout the year who will bring their custom to Tottenham, supporting both the club and local businesses.
“We did not just want to build a stadium,” says Tottenham Hotspur Chairman Daniel Levy. “We wanted to change the prospects for those that live in this part of London, particularly after the 2011 riots, and for our stadium to be the flagship development that kickstarted its regeneration.
“We see it as bringing hope, prosperity and uplift to Tottenham, embracing the local community, building on the character and talents of the area… All of us working together – government on all levels – have a real opportunity to support a new sport, leisure and entertainment destination in London – one that will be vibrant 365 days a year.”
