Arsenal has agreed to develop a sports centre as part of its revised plans for the Queensland Road development following a public consultation and discussions with Islington Council.
Subject to planning approval and securing a developer the sports centre will form part of a larger regeneration scheme at Ashburton Grove – the site of its former stadium - that includes four residential towers with 730 flats, of which 50% will be affordable.
As part of its consultation process, the club has agreed to reduce the height of the four proposed residential towers and remove a proposed cinema, which is being replaced by the sports centre.
It has also reduced the number of car parking spaces from 300 to 179 spaces.
Ken Friar, Arsenal FC director, said: ‘We have always taken great pride in the work we undertake within the local community and indeed were one of the first football clubs, if not the first, to fund a community department. That was some 24 years ago. Our objective is to push forward in everything we do and part of this progression was listening carefully to the local community and Islington Council.
‘The revised proposals form the latest phase of the regeneration plans for the area and will contribute to creating a lively and vibrant area around the new stadium, contributing new homes and new facilities for the community.'
A planning application has been submitted to Islington Council which will be arranging public consultation with local residents and businesses.
Savills and Anthony Green & Spencer is providing development and planning advice.
