Queens Park Rangers says public supports Old Oak Common stadium plans
A public consultation has revealed strong support for a proposal by Premier League football club Queens Park Rangers to develop a vast area of west London.
The club had planned to develop hundreds of acres of brownfield around Old Oak Common by building a new 40,000-seater stadium, as well as 24,000 homes.
However, Geoff Warren, who owns 47 acres of Old Oak Common used by his vehicle sales firm Car Giant, spoke out against the deal. He insisted his company had its own plans to develop the area and would not sell to QPR as the stadium would slow sales.
The results of a consultation released today show that 2,524 of nearly 3,000 respondents – 89 per cent – supported the club’s development plans.
The consultation included a six-day exhibition, meetings with local groups, 50,000 newsletters and a project website. “It is important we don’t let this opportunity go to waste. Local people have told us that they want QPR to stay in Hammersmith and Fulham,” said QPR chairman Tony Fernandes.
Meanwhile, Car Giant reiterated that it, and not QPR, would be developing the area.
“Car Giant, the owners of Old Oak Park Ltd, is committed to bring forward regeneration plans for Old Oak Common, as part of the Mayor of London’s plans to deliver a total of 24,000 new homes and 55,000 jobs in the area,” said Car Giant director Tony Mendes.
“In establishing Old Oak Park Ltd, Car Giant is progressing plans for outline planning permission and has started conducting site surveys. We have a firm and compelling vision for Old Oak Common.”
The 47 acres owned by Warren make him the largest single land owner of the 380 acre Old Oak Common site.