QPR reveal further details of proposed move to Old Oak
QPR last night revealed details of their ambitious plan to move from Loftus Road to a new 40,000-seater stadium in nearby Old Oak.
The Championship club, whose current ground holds 18,360 and averages just under 17,000 spectators per match this season, hope the new stadium will be part of a major regeneration of Old Oak that will also include the proposed HS2 rail link. They have given it the working title New Queens Park.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has said he plans to set up a development corporation, similar to those for the Olympics and Canary Wharf, to drive the regeneration of the area. Old Oak has been touted as a new Canary Wharf, with eye-catching commercial buildings and 24,000 new homes part of a £10bn plan for the 100-acre site.
“Loftus Road is – and always will be – a special place for the club and our supporters, but we need more than an 18,000 capacity,” said QPR chairman Tony Fernandes.
“With no option of expanding here, we have to look elsewhere and we welcome the Mayor’s and Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s commitment to regenerate the area, which includes an option to develop a new stadium at Old Oak.
“Not only will this give us a top quality stadium to cater for QPR’s needs as the club progresses, but we are very excited about being the driving force behind creating one of the best new urban places in the world.”