Featured image credit: Rob Ridley
The operator of London’s Wembley Stadium is planning on building a new 3,000-capacity fanzone next to OVO Arena Wembley.
MyLondon has reported that Wembley National Stadium Limited (WNSL) has submitted a planning application to Brent Council, with the matter to be discussed in December.
The fanzone would be situated in Arena Square, which is next door to OVO Arena Wembley. The arena is operated by AEG, which is seeking assurances that the fanzone would not have a negative impact on the venue.
According to MyLondon, the fanzone would be operated by WNSL to support Wembley Stadium events. The Arena Square space is currently licensed to Wembley Park Limited as part of a deal that also covers Wembley Park Boulevard, Events Pad and Market Square.
The fanzone would open on match days for away fans, with a similar space already in operation for home fans on the east side of the stadium. The East Village square is used by England fans on match days.
MyLondon reports that a document has been submitted on behalf of OVO Arena Wembley against WNSL, claiming that the latter has agreed to relocate the fanzone if both Wembley Stadium and OVO Arena Wembley are hosting events on the same day.
The document, which has been submitted by lawyers representing AEG Facilities (UK) Limited, states: “Our client wishes to make it clear at the outset that whilst they have no objection to licensable activities being provided in the space proposed, they have genuine concerns about how the operation of the proposed premises will promote the licensing objectives.
“There is currently a lack of detail and transparency which makes it difficult for our clients to comment further on the application at this time.”
It is unclear whether the fanzone would be used solely for football matches taking place at Wembley, or if it would also be in operation for other events such as NFL games and music concerts. Arena Square is currently used as a queueing space for OVO Arena Wembley eventgoers.
The application is set to be reviewed by Brent Council on December 11.
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