New Wembley fanzone could be on the cards
Brent Council's going to consider a planning application next month.
Wembley Stadium has applied for a licence to install a fanzone in Arena Square for up to 3,000 people on event days, with plans for a row of temporary food and drink stalls, a stage, and big screen. The square – named Arena Square – is situated right outside the main entrance to OVO Wembley Arena, whose owners are seeking assurances that there will be ‘no adverse effects’ for the venue.
Wembley National Stadium Limited (WNSL) has submitted the licensing application to Brent Council, which will be heard next month. Arena Square is already licensed as part of an overarching one issued to Wembley Park Limited – which covers Wembley Park Boulevard, Arena Square, Events Pad, and Market Square. The new licence would only be operated by WNSL in place of the existing one to support stadium events.
If given the green light, the square will be used for ‘away’ fans and operate similar to the existing ‘East Village’ square, which hosts England fans. Plans show that it would only be accessible to those with a ticket to the stadium event. It will close at the latest 30 minutes before the start time – with alcohol sales ceasing one hour before – and will not reopen afterwards.
Owners of the OVO Arena are seeking further clarification on the plans after raising concerns about the potential impact it could have on public safety and crime if it was also hosting an event on the same day. Arena Square is currently used for attendees to queue to enter the venue, as well as where they would exit following the show.
A document submitted against the applicant on behalf of OVO Wembley Arena suggests that WNSL has agreed to host the fanzone somewhere else if there was a clash of events, but adds there is ‘nothing in writing’ to confirm that.
Lawyers representing AEG Facilities (UK) Limited, the licence holders and operators of the OVO Wembley Arena, said: “The application premises are directly outside the front of the OVO Wembley Arena. This is a space that our clients have been using for the past 6+ years and is essential for the safe running of the Arena.”
They added: “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.”
There is also some ambiguity around which events this will cover. In the written representation submitted by OVO Wembley Arena, the operators appear to believe that the application is for ‘football only events and activities’. However, the original application submitted by WNSL states the square ‘may also be used to support other stadium events, including NFL and other sporting games, as well as music concerts’. The stadium is permitted to host 54 large events a year
The Football Association (FA) were approached for comment but did not respond ahead of publication. Brent Council’s Entertainment and Alcohol Licensing Sub-Committee will review the application at a meeting next month (December 11) before making a decision.