London mayor Ken Livingstone has today given the go-ahead for Arsenal to build their new stadium at Ashburton Grove. The Gunners were awarded planning permission from Islington Council a month ago to build a 60,000 capacity state-of-the-art stadium half a mile from Highbury on a site that is currently an industrial estate and the Arsenal board are hopeful it would be ready for the 2004/2005 season.
Livingstone revealed that he would have rejected the club's initial planning proposals but is impressed with the latest plans. "I would have refused permission for Arsenal's original proposal but my planners have worked closely with the club, Islington Council, Transport for London and the London Development Agency, and turned an unacceptable scheme into a world-class scheme that London can be proud of. The new proposal will bring a package of £60million of benefits to the local area," he said.
"I have listened very carefully to the advice of those who still object. On balance, I believe that the new package of proposals will give London a world-class stadium, new homes and jobs and a better environment, and will help to regenerate a part of London desperately in need of major investment," he added.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
