Underdevelopment of Wembley Steps undercroft for community benefit

 

 

Undercroft Activities from the developer's Design and Access Statement September 4th 2018

 

Every now and again I decide to check up on whether some of the promises included in planning applications and planning officer reports (designed to persuade the Planning Committee of the benefits of the development) actually come about.

These have included artist's impressions of the attractive banks of the Wealdstone Brook flowing through s development where you can imagine dipping your toes into the cool water- that turns out to be steep banked concrete conduits full of rubbish and polluted water. Even that is 'Private'.

The steps that replaced the Stadium  Pedway were a highly controversial project and one of the benefits claimed was the use of the 'undercroft' beneath for various activities that would increase income for Brent Council.

This was meant to soften resentment at the £18m of Community Infrastructure Levy that Brent Council handed over for the steps replacement and other 'improvements'. 

Officers Final Report  4^th September 2018

 

The 33.5m wide pedestrian link area beneath the landing of the steps (‘The Undercroft’) has been identified as an area that could provide for community activities and ‘pop ups’. It is considered acceptable as it maintains permeability across the front of the stadium for pedestrians on Stadium Event Days.

 

This covered area is also proposed to be used as an occasional event space and for use as play space and/or a market area. Incorporated into the steps at concourse level would be roof lights to provide lighting for the undercroft in addition to the LED downlights proposed

 

Nearly five years on here is the undercroft today: