Frequently Asked Questions about Ashburton Grove and the new stadium:

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What will happen to the existing businesses in the Ashburton Grove area?

The Club wants to talk to businesses in the area with a view to identifying new premises to which they could be relocated. As a first step, the Club intends to commission an Occupiers Survey to establish the needs of local businesses. A number of relocation sites are under consideration, including Lough Road and in Hornsey Road. The Lough Road site is also being considered for the relocation of the Council's facilities currently on the Ashburton Grove site.

How far will the new stadium be from the houses in Bryantwood Road?

Detailed designs have not yet been undertaken but our initial assessment is that the new stadium would comply with guidance in the Council's draft Planning Brief which calls for at least 60 metres from the rear garden walls of the Bryantwood Road houses. In addition, the draft Planning Brief envisages 'buffer' development between the new stadium and Bryantwood Road to safeguard residents' amenity.

How will the area cope with an additional 22,000 people on match days?

Arsenal will have to satisfy Islington Council that an improved public transport infrastructure can be delivered to ensure the increased capacity caters for the majority of visitors and that adverse impacts on the surrounding area are minimised. Islington will also be looking for the Club to continue to pay for the necessary parking controls and area management, such as crowd control, litter collection and street cleaning.

How will public transport be improved?

The Club has started initial discussions with London Transport, Railtrack and the various train operating companies to see how public transport can be enhanced when the stadium is in use to serve the increased capacity and to encourage more people to come by underground, train and bus. As part of these discussions, the Club is investigating the feasibility of providing a tunnel direct into the stadium from Arsenal underground station, thereby reducing the current crowd flows from Arsenal Station through the neighbouring residential areas. Also, the potential of combined match/public transport tickets is being explored.

What other uses are planned for the new stadium?

It is too early to say what the other uses might be, but it is possible that there will be conference facilities and sports retailing. In addition, the Club will be continuing its long standing community activities to encourage local people of all ages to participate in sporting activities. The Club believe the proposal will create a range of good quality jobs as well as acting as a catalyst for the regeneration of the wider area. As part of the proposal Arsenal will be seeking to relocate the existing jobs elsewhere in the area.

What will happen to Highbury Stadium?

Neither the Club nor Islington Council consider it appropriate for Highbury to continue as a major sports venue alongside a new stadium at Ashburton Grove. Housing is the most likely alternative use, together with any necessary supporting infrastructure such as, for example, a doctor's surgery. The East Stand is listed as being of special architectural & historic interest and the Club will need to demonstrate to Islington Council and English Heritage that a viable future can be found for this unique building. As a first step, the Club has appointed architects Allies and Morrison to advise on possible solutions.

What are the benefits for the area and its residents?

The Club believe the proposals provide the prospect for significant benefits. These include: The regeneration of the Ashburton Grove area, including initiatives being promoted by the Finsbury Park Partnership. New, more environmentally friendly Waste Transfer stations and Council Depots. Improved public transport facilities on match days and generally. A range of new facilities associated with the stadium and redevelopment of Highbury, including new housing. Relocation of existing jobs to new premises and the creation of new jobs associated with the new stadium and other possible new uses. Developing nearby vacant sites for relocated businesses and facilities. New community sports facilities. Improved crowd control on match days. Extended parking controls on match days.