Arsenal stadium approved

Arsenal's new ground will be half a mile from Highbury

London mayor Ken Livingstone has given Arsenal's plans for a new £400m stadium project the go-ahead.

The club's proposals to move to a new state-of-the-art home were already cleared by Islington council but the Mayor held the right to veto.

Livingstone gave his backing to the scheme on Wednesday after the club worked with his planners to improve the intial project.

The new stadium will be located just half a mile from Highbury on an industrial estate at Ashburton Grove.

I believe that the new package of proposals will give London a world-class stadium

Ken Livingstone
London mayor

However, the project still has its opponents who feel that the new ground will cause traffic chaos and could force some local businesses to close.

And Livingstone admitted the government could still put a stop to the project.

"The government could step in and say they want a public inquiry," said Livingstone.

But it is hoped the development will contribute to the regeneration of the Islington area, and it includes provision for affordable housing.

Another factor that influenced the Mayor's decision was Arsenal's pledge to increase its contribution for local transport improvement from £5.75m to more than £7.5m.

"I would have refused permission for Arsenal's original proposal," said Livingstone.

"But my planners have worked closely with the club, Islington Council, Transport for London and the London Development Agency."

Supporters and residents will both win

Steven Powell
Arsenal Independent Supporters' Association

Livingstone said they had "turned an unacceptable scheme into a world-class scheme that London can be proud of".

Chairman of the Arsenal Independent Supporters' Association Steven Powell welcomed the decision.

"It's great news, not only for Arsenal but also for Islington," said Powell.

"We'll get a brand new ground which we desperately need. Islington residents will get thousands of new jobs and homes," he added.

The stadium is expected to have a crowd capacity of 60,000, some 22,000 more than Highbury, and massively increase the Gunners' earning potential.

The ground has been designed by the company which created Stadium Australia for the Sydney Olympics and could be ready in time for the 2004-2005 season.