MAJOR PAOJECTS: EMIRATES STADIUM N5 1BU

MAJOR PAOJECTS: EMIRATES STADIUM N5 1BU

INTRODUCTION

In this assignment I shall begin by defining the problems of the area as perceived by the different parties involved. I shall go on to consider the objectives of the project and how they relate to these problems, as well as evaluating the approach taken by the solution and the assumptions or theories on which it is based. Then I will discuss how 'radical' or traditional the initiative was. I shall continue by defining the 'target group' and the 'target area' of project stakeholders. I shall then identify the property interests, sources of funding and political support involved. I shall determine whether its scope is local, regional or national or wider? I will determine the criteria to be used for evaluation. Finally I will make recommendations for improving the project.

PROBLEMS OF THE OLD HIGHBURY STADIUM AREA AS PERCEIVED BY THE DIFFERENT PARTIES INVOLVED.

Arsenal Football Club

A.) In order to compete with Manchester United and other top clubs Arsenal Football club needed a comparable home. The capacity of the old Highbury's ground stood at 38,500 compared with Old Trafford which holds 67,500. Consequently Manchester United earn £1 million more per game. The stands were cramped and not steep enough to provide good views of the pitch from all seats

www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football

Arsenal started to explore the possibilities of expanding the Highbury Ground, relocating (perhaps renting the Wembley ground) or building a new stadium. However expansion of Highbury Stadium was hampered by the surrounding residential properties and the fact that the art deco design East Stand, built in the 1930s, was a listed building. However the club did want to stay in the local area at Islington. Walters G. and Kitchin P. (2009)

b) Islington Council and Local residents

The stadium was surrounded by a densely -populated residential area which became chronically over-crowded during match days, which made crowd movement difficult and impeded access for emergency vehicles. Furthermore there was chronic congestion on the roads and complaints about anti-social behaviour and noise from local residents. Islington Council denied the club planning permission to expand the ground at Highbury for these reasons and because of the listed status of the East stand.

http://www.ingenia.org.uk

Those living in the densely populated area surrounding the ground complained of crowds, anti-social behaviour, noise, litter and chronic congestion. The ground had been expanded several times since its beginnings as a college recreation ground and takeover by Arsenal Football and the problems had increased and been compounded over time.

http://www.ingenia.org.uk

c) Supporters

Supporters experienced increasing delays in travelling to the ground due to congestion on road, tube and rail links. Compared to other top stadiums the seating was cramped and sightlines poor in certain areas of the stands.

www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football

THE PROJECTS OBJECTIVES

The project formed the most significant development plan ever laid down for the Borough of Islington.

A)To provide Arsenal Football Club with a new 60,000 capacity stadium.

“The finished stadium consists of 60,000 seats, 7000 Club Level seats with attached restaurants, and 150 executive ...