Brentford Football Club has been given green light for a new £70m stadium and residential scheme in the vicinity of Kew Bridge.
Nick Bowles, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Planning, has fully backed the controversial plans for a new 20,000-seat stadium as a replacement of the current Griffin Park home.
The £70 million proposal had already been approved by Hounslow Council and Boris Johnson, and the consent to Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, was the last barrier.
The scheme has seen strong objections from English Heritage as a result of which it was referred to Parliament.
Willmott Dixon’s development arm Regen is collaborating with the football club to redevelop the current Griffin Park site to a modern stadium at nearby Lionel Road South.
As part of the contract, Willmott Dixon will build new residential homes in 11 tower blocks of seven to 17-storeys around the Lionel Road South brownfield site.
There are also plans for further houses on the existing Griffin Park ground once the club moves to its new home.
£70m stadium will be partially funded by the proceeds made from the sale of the housing land with outline permission.
Cliff Crown, Brentford FC Chairman, commented on the minister’s backing of the scheme.
“Nick Boles’ confirmation of the decision of the GLA and Hounslow Council is great news.
“Our vision of an exciting new hub at this brownfield site has taken another major step forward.
“We firmly believe this is a once in a generation chance to create a vibrant new stadium that will add to the buzz that is going on around Brentford.
“As we said this week at the annual international property event MIPIM, Brentford is on the up as a destination, with new homes, retail, sports and leisure facilities which bring new construction jobs and vibrancy to the area.”
The completion date of the stadium is scheduled for 2016, while the residential development will be operational by 2023.
Photo: Standard
