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Arsenal in U-turn on sports centre
Matthew Beard, Sports News Correspondent25 Sep 2008
A new indoor sports centre will be built at the Emirates Stadium after a U-turn by Arsenal.
In July, Arsenal were told to go back to the drawing board after submitting plans for 700 flats across five 21-storey tower blocks.
But the Premiership leaders have now drawn up a revised planning application for the Queensland Road site in Holloway, which is understood to include a replacement for the former JVC sports centre at the old Highbury Stadium.
The U-turn follows a campaign by MPs, local residents and famous Arsenal supporters to get the sports centre rebuilt for the benefit of the local community.
Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, said: "Well done Arsenal and well done to all the people who have campaigned and signed petitions to make a reality of what was promised in the original planning application for Emirates Stadium."
Ian Shacklock, of Monsell Road, Highbury, organised a 3,000-signature petition signed by actor and fan Alan Davies and Mayor Boris Johnson.
Mr Shacklock said: "The JVC centre was a fantastic advert for Arsenal. To lose it was a tragedy, especially after we had been promised it would be rebuilt."
But Terry Stacy, deputy leader of Islington council, said: "No new planning application has yet been received and it would be speculative to comment until we see one."
Reader views (5)
Funny thing is, the Gooners will defend their club, even though they have to queue for an hr to get into H&I tube station! Muppets!
- St, London, 26/09/2008 14:27
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I think this shows that Arsenal FC has, quite rightly, changed the plans in response to the overwhelming call for a sports centre from the local community.
The local residents, led brilliantly by Ian Shacklock, should be proud of what they have achieved. I felt it necessary to write this comment to ensure that Ian receives the credit that he deserves following his efforts to ensure that the sports centre is back on the agenda. His drive and committment throughout are a credit to him, but this would not have been possible without the support of the local community!
Community spirit lives on and long may it continue to do so!
Well done to everyone involved!
- Mt, London, 26/09/2008 14:08
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St makes a good point. When planning consent for the Emirates was granted I recall that significant improvements would be made to local Underground stations yet absolutely nothing has happened. Why?
- Steven Dawson, London, 25/09/2008 22:21
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I think you'll find that Arsenal paid TFL the £xm that was asked for. I say asked for but it was more like robbery as they couldn't get planning permission without TFL's sign off. Anyway, TFL then took the money and used it on "more pressing upgrades". Holloway Tube is not Arsenal's fault.
- Dan, London, 25/09/2008 18:38
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Let’s hope they start to make good on all the other promises they failed to keep (Holloway Tube renovations, etc…)
- St, London, 25/09/2008 17:11
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