Tottenham stadium will cause 'substantial harm to area's historic character' claim heritage body

Construction: Tottenham plan to build a new 61,000 stadium that will be the biggest in London
Tottenham Hotspur FC
Vaishali Bhardwaj24 September 2015

Tottenham's plans to build the biggest club stadium in London is facing objections from Historic England, who believe the north London side's work will "cause substantial harm" to the character of the area.

Spurs revealed plans in July to transform their current home into a new 61,000 all-seater stadium by 2018 - making it bigger than Arsenal's Emirates Stadium which holds just over 60,000 fans - and confirmed the arena would host NFL matches when it is completed.

But Historic England, the public body that looks after the country's historic environment, have expressed their concerns about three Victorian and Edwardian heritage buildings in the area that will be demolished to make way for a wider pavement during the construction process.

A spokesman for Historic England said: "We believe Spurs' latest proposals will cause substantial harm to the historic character of the surrounding area."

Tottenham revealed updated plans on Wednesday that shows fans what their new stadium will look like when it is finished, with four asymmetrical stands being covered in a sculptured mesh

The new stadium, though, means Spurs will have to find a temporary home for the 2017/18 campaign - but they are unlikely to be granted use of Wembley Stadium after Chelsea, who will start work on increasing the capacity of Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, are thought to be favourites to secure a deal.

The Blues will re-develop their current west London home into a new 60,000-capacity stadium, which will see the Premier League champions play elsewhere for three seasons beginning in 2017 and ending in 2020.

Despite Chelsea thought to be ahead of Spurs in negotiations for Wembley, Tottenham are believed to be happy to share the ground with their London rivals - with one alternative being to play at MK Dons' stadium:mk.

But London Mayor, Boris Johnson, recently urged the FA and Premier League to avoid such a situation occurring by finding a way to keep Chelsea and Tottenham in the capital while the clubs rebuild their grounds.

The Mayor told the Standard: "London’s football clubs belong in London. Their supporter base is here in the capital. That’s why it’s important during major stadium redevelopment that London clubs continue to play here.

Tottenham's new stadium - In Pictures

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"I’d urge the FA and the Premier League to do all they can to accommodate Spurs and Chelsea inside the capital as they reshape their homes at White Hart Lane and Stamford Bridge."

Tottenham have addressed Historic England's concerns (first raised in July) stating: “The Club recognises that the three buildings – 746, 748 and 750 Tottenham High Road (The White Hart, The Red House and The Dispensary) – proposed to be removed as a result of the Northumberland Development Project do represent a regrettable loss of heritage assets.

“However their setting is already severely compromised and creates the unacceptable crowd movement issues as a result of the two metre pavement width which forces crowds into the bus lane and the road.

“Our proposals replace these buildings with a stunning new terrace to host The Tottenham Experience which creates a much wider pavement width necessary for crowd movement.

“The Club’s and its heritage architects have worked extensively to ensure that this new terrace is sensitive in its scale to the retained and refurbished Grade II listed Warmington House and appropriately maintains the line of the High Road. We believe that the substantial benefits of the Northumberland Development Project significantly outweigh any harm arising from the loss of these buildings.

“The Club is committed to recording and salvaging elements of architectural interest from these buildings, such as the shop front of the Edmonton Dispensary and Bill Nicholson’s office as well as important features such as joinery. Key elements of the Red House would be included in the Museum, given the role they have played in the history of the Club and the community. Some of these would be located in the atrium to the rear of Warmington House.”

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