Tottenham submit planning application for new stadium

27 October 2009 | Posted in Infrastructure, Soccer | By Adam Fraser

Tottenham Hotspur, the Premier League soccer club, has lodged a planning application with north London's Haringey Council for a project which the club believes will see it create 'the most atmospheric stadium in Europe'.

The new 56250-capacity ground, to be built adjacent to the team's current White Hart Lane ground and operational by 2012, is already a firm favourite to host games at the 2018 Fifa World Cup should England's bid to host the tournament prove successful.

"We have designed what will be a vibrant area 365 days a year and not a stadium with dead space surrounding it," said Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. "Our desire from the outset has been to create a scheme of major benefit for local people and to deliver the most fan-friendly stadium in Europe.
 
"The inclusion of a new single-tier stand combined with a fantastic stadium design demonstrates our absolute commitment to create the most atmospheric stadium for our supporters. Every fan will have an exceptional view of the action and will find themselves closer to the pitch than at any other comparable stadium."

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The plans include 434 new homes, a 150-room hotel and a supermarket. Financial details of the project were not revealed, but, like Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, it is expected to cost in the region of UK£400 million (US$655 million).

"Spurs has been my life - the current matchday atmosphere is unrivalled, it's electric , players can almost reach out and touch it," said club captain Ledley King. "The fans have such a key role to play and I'm delighted the new stadium has been designed to maintain that atmosphere. It's what makes Tottenham Hotspur what it is."

Andy Anson, the chief executive of England's 2018 bid, confirmed: "Tottenham Hotspur Football Club's provisional designs for their new stadium are very impressive. Potential England 2018 Host Cities will deliver their final bid submissions to us in November and we fully expect the stadium to be one of those included as a potential host venue for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid. We wish the club every success with their plans."