Islington News: Arsenal | Sports Centre | Clive Anderson

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 26 September 2008

Arsenal U-turn on sports centre

IN a remarkable change of heart, Arsenal has decided to build a community sports centre next to its Emirates Stadium, it was revealed this week.
The move follows a major campaign, supported by TV presenter Clive Anderson and London Mayor Boris Johnson, who live locally, and Islington North Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn. A petition protest collected 3,000 signatures.
Originally, Arsenal had decided against replacing the community sports centre at the old Highbury stadium when it moved to its new home. Instead, it was to build a cinema at the Queensland Road complex opposite the new stadium.
But the campaign launched by Highbury parent Ian Shacklock appears to have brought a change of mind.
Islington Council had “let it be known” that its planners would not look kindly on a cinema scheme whereas it would welcome a community facility.
Labour’s Highbury councillor Richard Green was delighted by the news, but added: “We haven’t actually seen the planning application yet. We’ve fought for this since the original plans in 2003. We’re delighted that Ian Shacklock continued to carry the torch”.
Highbury’s Green councillor Katie Dawson said: “I’ll give a cautious welcome. I just hope it will mean truly public access.”
Lib Dem deputy council leader Councillor Terry Stacy said: “We await to see the detail of Arsenal’s new planning application. I’m delighted that they have appeared to listen to us. If the new application contains a new sports centre with guaranteed community use I would welcome it.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: