Wembley Housing Site Could Host Temporary Football Pitches and Events Venue
A significant site in Wembley, originally designated for residential development, may be temporarily transformed into a community sports and entertainment hub under new proposals submitted to Brent Council. The application, put forward by developer Quintain, seeks permission to utilise the land for a period of up to three years before housing construction begins.
Proposal Details and Site Background
Quintain, a major landowner in the area, has been leading the regeneration of Wembley Park since 2004, with planning permission to build approximately 8,500 new homes across 8.8 million square feet of land. Over 4,700 of these homes have already been completed. The current application focuses on three plots where residential work is not expected to commence for at least a couple of years, allowing for interim use.
The site, located at the intersection of Fulton Road, First Way, and Engineers Way—previously known as the Yellow Car Park—would be divided into two distinct plots under the proposal. This initiative falls under the concept of 'meanwhile use,' which involves temporarily repurposing land for community or commercial activities while awaiting permanent development.
Plot 1: Outdoor Sports Facility
Plot 1 is designed to feature an outdoor sports facility, including five all-weather, floodlit five-a-side football pitches. Each pitch would measure 30 metres by 20 metres and be fully enclosed by a 1.2-metre high rebound board, along with 5-metre high soft-barrier netting and roof netting to keep balls within the playing area. Floodlights mounted on 8-metre columns would illuminate the corners of each pitch.
Accompanying the pitches would be a pavilion building housing reception areas, changing rooms, and toilet facilities. The facility is proposed to be open to the public daily from 8am to 10pm, providing accessible sports opportunities for local residents and visitors.
Plot 2: Leisure and Events Venue
Plot 2 would host a demountable leisure, entertainment, and events venue standing 12 metres high. According to the application, this space would include an immersive, family-friendly exhibition with interactive and static displays, food and beverage outlets, retail spaces, and toilet facilities. It would operate from 8am to 9pm daily, with public access starting at 9am.
To manage visitor flow, arrivals would be staggered, allowing up to 200 people to enter every 30 minutes, with an average stay time of around 70 minutes. This venue aims to complement existing attractions in Wembley, such as Bubble Planet on Fulton Road, which features multi-sensory exhibits with giant bubbles and VR technology.
Temporary Nature and Planning Considerations
The proposal seeks temporary permission for three years, though a break clause in the lease could reduce this to just one year. As the site is ultimately intended for residential development, significant alterations to its frontage are not feasible, meaning the temporary structures must be designed with minimal long-term impact.
Developers argue that the plans will enhance Wembley's appeal by adding to its existing attractions and operating alongside other interim uses. The proposal is set to be reviewed by Brent Council's Planning Committee on February 11, where a decision will be made on whether to approve the project.
If given the green light, this temporary use could provide valuable community amenities and entertainment options while the land awaits its future housing role, showcasing innovative urban planning in North London.
