The scheme is being delivered by Quintain and involves creating a modern set of steps surrounded by a landscaped piazza in place of the 1970's concrete Pedway ramp. In addition, disabled access to Wembley Stadium will be improved with the introduction of four new lifts – as well as the existing lifts – to the front of the Stadium.
The plans have been developed over more than a decade of engagement with stakeholders including The FA and the London Borough of Brent. The Pedway removal has long been part of Brent's Area Action Plan and Quintain stated it will encourage more east-west connectivity across the site, as well as more economic activity.
Alongside the steps, the planning approval includes plans for the final phase for the transformation of Olympic Way – which over the last 12 months has seen the introduction of new paving, programmable lighting and sound system and 48 new trees. Once finished, new trees on Olympic Way will be planted in pairs, representing all the temperate zones of the world.
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The upgrades to Olympic Way will transform the area into a pedestrian walkway alive with activity year round. It will include new shops, bars and restaurants together with a major re-landscaping, to dramatically enhance the experience for visitors, workers and residents at Wembley Park.
James Saunders, Chief Operating Officer at Quintain, said: "We are very pleased that the plans have been approved for the final section of Olympic Way, which will transform the experience of everyone arriving at Wembley Stadium. We want to create an area around the national stadium that is full of life and a destination in its own right and the introduction of an iconic set of steps helps us realise this ambition. We will now continue to work with our partners, The FA and Brent Council, to deliver the plans."
Cllr Shama Tatler said: "Olympic Way is a processional route for millions of visitors and these improvements, which have now been approved, will help make it a safer, more attractive and desirable location.
"It will become a destination in itself and mean that we'll have more visitors coming here on non- event days to places like Boxpark, the new Wembley Park Theatre or one of the many bars or cafés – all of which will create an economic benefit that will be felt much further afield than Wembley, which of course is great news for Brent businesses and local jobs."
(LM/CM)
