Conservation concerns over new Spurs stadium

Tottenham Hotspur FC's plans for a new 56,000-seat stadium adjacent to the current White Hart Lane site have come under criticism from conservationists and local residents. The plans include development of s 20-acre site with new housing, shops and a museum.

Spurs' ambitious building plans, with which the club hopes to rival other landmark grounds such as Arsenal's Emirates stadium and East London's 2012 Olympic sites, were unveiled before Christmas but have recently come under fire for their impact on historic local buildings. In order to create a large open space between Tottenham High Road and the new stadium, developers plan to demolish a row of Victorian shops, the Red House building, the White Hart pub and an Edwardian dispensary.

Heloise Brown, conservation adviser at The Victorian Society, said,

“These buildings should not be sacrificed to create a bland open space

that will be a wasteland apart from on match days.” The buildings, some of which are listed, fall within a designated conservation area created to protect the historic character of the High Road.

"The club must show that its plans for the area preserve and enhance the

character of Tottenham High Road. Knocking down the varied houses and

shops which have sprung up on this major historic route into the

capital will not do this," says The Victorian Society.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has expressed his desire to "create the most atmospheric stadium for our supporters" with the new design, and construction is expected to begin soon.

If you are concerned about the stadium plans, or any other development concerning a conservation area near you, contact The Victorian Society at 1 Priory Gardens, LONDON W4 1TT, or on telephone 020 8994 1019 or email admin@victoriansociety.org.uk.