Queens Park Rangers have said that a new stadium as part of the regeneration planned for Old Oak Common – the intersection of HS2 and Crossrail – is an option they are considering, as LB Hammersmith & Fulham consults on the idea.
The club has often been linked with a move away from Loftus Road, which would be a prime residential development spot if it came to market. The most frequent recent suggestion has been a move to the White City area, possibly on part of the site to be vacated by the BBC.
Following reports in the Evening Standard, the club has confirmed that a 40,000 seater stadium as part of the Old Oak Common regeneration is one option they are considering.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council is consulting on proposals for Old Oak Common including a new sports and leisure venue next to the proposed Crossrail station. The council hopes the plans would produce 19,000 new homes and 90,000 jobs.
The Government, Mayor of London, TfL and London Boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham, Brent and Ealing have developed a 30 year vision for the Old Oak area. Now a possible new 40,000 seat stadium has been included in the document which is currently being consulted on by Hammersmith & Fulham.
A QPR spokesman said: “We are looking at a number of potential options for a new stadium and believe that Old Oak could provide one possible solution. We have met with representatives of the GLA and the supporting local authorities to discuss whether a football stadium could be incorporated into any plan that comes forward for this site.”
Cllr Nicholas Botterill, H&F Council Leader, said: “We’ve had talks with all three of our football clubs about their expansion ambitions and are aware of QPR’s interest in moving to a larger stadium. We support all of our football clubs where we can and are currently consulting residents on whether a sports stadium could be acceptable as part of the plans to create thousands of new jobs and homes around the new HS2 hub station in Old Oak Common.”
Five of the nation’s airports will be linked to the high-speed rail network for the first time through the Old Oak interchange. Central London and Heathrow will be just 10 minutes away, Birmingham will be 40 minutes direct from Old Oak and Luton, Gatwick and City Airport will all be within 45 minutes.
The Old Oak regeneration opportunity was sparked by the prospect of an interchange between HS2 and Crossrail, but is now thought of as a significant opportunity even if HS2 – a project troubled by worsening public opinion and perceived spiralling costs – does not go ahead. Network Rail are understood to be actively looking at an interchange with the West Coast Main Line to lessen the pressure on Euston, and provide a direct Crossrail connection for passengers from Birmingham.
