The plans have already received more than 200 objections, alongside a 700-signiture strong petition opposing the scheme
Plans to build a new hotel on a patch of land at the foot of Wembley Stadium has received more than 200 objections, including from the local MP and ward councillor. Concerns have been raised over the loss of a community space, as well as the potential impact on traffic and the disruption during construction.
The ‘meanwhile’ space has been used as a market square and children’s soft play since 2022. Wembley developers, Quintain, have submitted a formal application to Brent Council which outlines plans for a hotel up to 17 storeys – alongside commercial space and a Civic Square to host events, markets and pop-up activities.
The scheme has resulted in significant local pushback, with around 220 objections against the application on the council’s planning portal, as well as an online petition opposing the plan signed by more than 700 people. They predominantly raise concerns about the loss of Market Square and Samovar Space – which host a local market and children’s play area.
One resident wrote: “These spaces are essential to the wellbeing of local residents. The market supports small businesses, provides access to local goods, and serves as an important social hub that brings the community together.
“The children’s play area offers a safe outdoor space for families and encourages healthy physical activity and social interaction.
“Replacing these community assets with a hotel prioritises commercial interests over the needs of local people. While economic development is important, it should not come at the cost of irreplaceable public spaces that contribute to the quality of life, community cohesion, and the character of the neighbourhood.”
Another added: “I am concerned that this development would result in the loss of a much-loved public space that provides significant social, cultural and wellbeing benefits to residents. While new development may bring commercial benefits, I do not believe these outweigh the loss of a community asset that is actively used and enjoyed by so many local people.”
Quintain had to wait until the new Olympic Steps leading to the national stadium had been built before bringing the proposals forward. The plot, which is located at the bottom of the steps and adjacent to Brent Council’s Civic Centre building, has outline planning permission for either a hotel or office building under the 2011 Masterplan.
The CGIs show the hotel entrance and lobby opening out on to Samovar Square, with retail or restaurants on Olympic Way. Samvar Square will be “combined into a space” for public use and events, with changes to the pedestrian link to Wembley Park Boulevard, according to the developers.
Brent Council’s Cabinet had previously approved a £12.1m contribution towards the improvements provided Quintain didn’t pursue a development with the same parameters as displayed in the outline planning permission, as well as working with the local authority to create a new square outside the Civic Centre Library. The new design will now reach a maximum of 17-storeys, rather than the initial 20-storeys set out in the outline plan.
However, Brent West MP Barry Gardiner suggested another hotel in the area would offer “very little benefit” to residents and in fact “risks damaging the community” with the loss of “one of the few free, open spaces in Wembley Park”.
Mr Gardiner MP claims the benefits of the proposals “are extremely limited” and would instead cause a range of harms for both residents and visitors to the area, including year’s long noise disruption during construction; reduced sunlight due to the scale of the building; increased traffic and congestion; and reduced vibrancy of the area.
He added: “It is my view that this application offers very little benefit to residents and in fact risks damaging the community, whereas the existing use of the plot as the Market Square/Samovar Space has visible and proven benefits.
“Permission should not be granted without wider consultation of residents. I support my constituents’ calls for the application to be heard at the Planning Committee with public speaking rights for local residents, and for a public explanation of how the developer has met the conditions to benefit from £12.1 million of public funds in submitting this application.”
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