Guest Post: Wembley Archive would love you to pay a visit

 

 1933

 

Guest post by Graham Cooksley (@Wembley Archive)

 

Launching on Twitter in 2022, the Wembley Archive (@wembleyarchive) channel sets about to record and highlight the rich heritage of Wembley Stadium, Wembley Arena and the wider footprint of the former exhibition grounds from their inception in the early 1920s.  

 

We are followed by Wembley Stadium, the OVO Arena Wembley, Wembley Park LDN, a descendant of Sir Arthur Elvin and many others. The channel is based around a collection of primarily non-football focused Wembley memorabilia, owned and developed by a private collector (myself) over many years.

 In our first year we have recorded the 100^th anniversary of the opening of Wembley Stadium with a series of ‘live tweets’ as if the events of the 1923 ‘White Horse Final’ were happening at that moment and we are nearing the 75^th anniversary of the 1948 London Olympics which also utilised some of the then remaining British Empire Exhibition buildings.  Of course, the exhibition itself turns 100 in 2024 when the Empire Pool, now OVO Arena, will also celebrate its 90^th birthday, busy days ahead.

As well as regular posts with a variety of items ranging from pre-war pageants to religious rallies, we have also learnt a great deal of information through the interaction with our readers and followers, so if you have an interest in all things Wembley and in particular the former Wembley Stadium complex site we would love you to give as a visit, follow and at the same time say hi.   

Graham Cooksley

@WembleyArchive

 

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FURTHER UPDATE: OVO Arena's premises licence challenged by members of the public alleging assault and threats of violence by security staff against adult and a child

 UPDATE 23.3.23

A Spokesperson for Ovo Arena said:

"As our priority is to ensure the safety of everyone attending the venue, OVO Arena Wembley takes all customer complaints very seriously. We have co-operated in full with the Police and following thorough investigations by both venue and police, it has been concluded that no further action is required.We are co-operating fully with Brent Council and have provided them with all necessary information, policies and procedures to conduct the venue’s licence review."

 

 Brent Council's Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee is to hear an unusual case on Tuesday March 28th. Two members of the public are applying for a review of the premises licence for the OVO Arena in Wembley, held by AEG Facilities (UK) Ltd.

The grounds for review are the Prevention of Crime & Disorder, Public Safety and the Protection of Children from Harm. One applicant alleges assault and threats of violence against himself and a minor by security staff. Another alleges detention without reason and sexual assault.

 

 

The Committee is informed:

 

These premises are currently licensed for Regulated Entertainment, Late Night Refreshment the sale of alcohol and to remain open 24hrs a day Monday to Sunday.

 

The steps the Committee may take are:

0. To modify, remove or add conditions
1.  To exclude the sale of alcohol or other licensable activity
2.  Remove the Designated Premises Supervison
3.  Suspend the licence for up to 3 months.
4.  Revoke the licence
   

 

A member of the public has submitted the representation below: 

 

 

 

 

And another has sent in this representation (statement begins at page 8) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 All the papers can be viewed HERE. The meeting takes place on Tuesday 28th March at 10am. The public and press may be excluded from some parts of the meeting:

 

Part of the consideration of Agenda Item 3 above may involve the disclosure of information classified as exempt under Paragraph 7 of Part 1 Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, namely: “Information relating to any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime”.

 AEG Facilities has been contacted for a comment.

Carnival mood as Brent teachers stage 'Education Festival' on their second strike day

 

Following a supportive speech from Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North, strking teachers paraded along Olympic Way this morning, accompanied by colourful parachutes, musical instruments and whistles, for an Education Festival in Arena Square.

Representatives from local schools spoke along with the NEU Co-Secretary, Jenny Cooper, Roger Cox from Brent Trades Council and myself from the Green Party Trade Union Group.

The carnival atmosphere left little doubt that this strike is far from over. 

Nursery teacher Lucy Cox, dressed as a pink rabbit, addresses the crowd

At the end of the Festival, in a powerful moment,  NEU members held up posters demonstrating their opposition to racism and support for the  Resist Racism national demonstration to be held on Saturday March 18th.

 

 

Quintain sells off Wembley Arena

 

From Quintain Ltd

 Quintain, the developer and asset manager behind Wembley Park, confirms that it has completed the sale of the OVO Arena Wembley to Intermediate Capital Group (ICG). This forms part of Quintain’s strategy to focus activities going forward on build to rent residential across development and asset management, neighbourhood retail and placemaking.

Built in 1934, the OVO Arena Wembley (formerly Wembley Arena) has played host to some of the world’s most famous artists, including David Bowie, Queen, Abba, Britney Spears and Beyonce. It is the venue where artists love to stand on stage and shout “Hello, Wembley!”.

Purchased by Quintain in 2002 as part of an initial acquisition of 44 acres of land in Wembley Park, the OVO Arena Wembley was transformed by Quintain in 2006 with a £36m refurbishment which, along with the new stadium, cemented Wembley’s position as one of the premier UK locations for live music and entertainment.

Built as the “Empire Pool” in 1934 to host swimming events for the Empire Games, the Arena has also hosted events for both the 1948 and 2012 Olympics. Today the Arena typically hosts 120 events a year across sport, music, comedy and entertainment.

With a capacity of 12,500, the Arena is the second largest in London and is operated by ASM Global, the leading entertainment venue operator, with a portfolio of over 350 venues worldwide.

James Saunders, CEO of Quintain, said: “As we build out the Wembley Park estate, with 3,000 more homes still to deliver, we continue to focus our efforts on our Build to Rent ambition, neighbourhood retail and placemaking. Naturally, we will work with ICG and ASM to ensure that the world-famous OVO Arena Wembley will remain an important part of this world class destination and neighbourhood.”

Andreas Papadolambakis of ICG Real Estate, said: “We’re delighted to be the new custodians of the iconic OVO Arena and to be partnering with ASM, a globally renowned arena operator. The investment represents ICG Real Estate’s first in the content and live entertainment space, a sector which is benefitting from structural tailwinds. As music consumption has pivoted towards streaming, touring has become increasingly important for artists whilst consumers are dedicating an increasing portion of their disposable income to experiences over material goods. We expect this to be the first of a programme of investments in the European content and live entertainment market.”

Chris Bray, Executive VP Europe of ASM Global, said: “Quintain have been excellent landlords for the OVO Arena for the last 20 years and we thank them for their stewardship. We look forward to working with new owners, ICG, to enhance Britain’s most iconic arena and continue to bring world class acts and artists to this world-famous entertainment district.”

Tory audience at Wembley Arena Leadership Hustings greeted by critical demonstration

Green New Deal Rising

Brent Labour councillors (and Steven Bray)

                                                      Greens say #enoughisenough time to End Tory Rule

Self-employed demonstrate against the retrosprctive loan charge 

NEU, SWP, Stop Rwanda

The NHS - 38 degrees

The venue for the last Tory Leadership hustings was kept under wraps until the last minute so the demonstration to voice our feelings was very hastily organised.  Several groups did manage to turn up to voice their views to the Tory faithful as they queued to get into the Wembley Arena.

The Labour Group on Brent Council had their meeting at 6pm, the  same time as the demonstration, but came out of the Civic Centre, which is opposite the Arena, for a few minutes show of solidarity.

A senior policeman appeared to have decided I was organising things and came over to tell me that the boss of Quintain was okay about us demonstrating but would not be happy at us getting too close to the queueing Conservatives or at us shouting in their faces (we were at least 2 metres away).  He asked me to move 'your' group to 'stand with those ladies over there' (the women from Green New Deal Rising)!

Arena Square was surrounded by Heras fencing so we had to stand on Wembley Boulevard, the private property of Quintain Ltd. His comments were an incidental lesson in the politics of the privatisation of public space. Quintain were doing us a favour by 'allowing' us to demonstrate.

And Steve Bray was very patient with the police...

 

6,000 TORIES WILL CONVERGE ON WEMBLEY ARENA THIS EVENING FOR LAST LEADERSHIP HUSTINGS. COST OF LIVING DEMO FROM 6PM.

Wembley Arena Square was cut off from the public this morning by Heras fencing and heavily policed by private security guards.

 

 

When I asked them what was going on they first said, 'A conference' and asked what the conference was for replied, 'It is to make everyone's life better.' When I said, 'Oh yeah!' they added, 'That is what we are all going to tell you.'

Huh! It turns out to be the last hustings for the Tory Party leadership with 6,000 Tories expected. Enough to declare a public health emergency in Brent!

Attempts are being made to organise a cost of living demonstration. This is last minute but if you can get along assemble from 6pm outside Brent Civic Centre. Bring banners and home made placards.

'Gateway to Wembley' mural to be covered by advertising

Brent Planning Committee last night agreed an application by Quintain to largely cover the murals on the Bobby Moore Bridge underpass with advertising. The underpass leads from the Wembley Park station steps to Olympic Way, the processional route taken by most people attending events at Wembley Stadium.

The mural was commissioned by Brent Council in the early 1990s as a piece of public art to celebrate the rich and varied history of events  that have taken place at the Stadium and Arena, starting with the post-war Olympics. Local historian Philip Grant and local resident Jaine Lunn argued that the mural provided a superior 'gateway' to Wembley compared with advertisements for Quintain's Tipi rental scheme or the LDO.

Lunn said, 'It's our mural, paid for by local people, and we don't want it covered up.' Grant argued that the officers' main report did not even mention 'Heritage' as a key issue and only advocated physical protection to allow possible display in the future. He said that the application should be refused in the interests of local amenity.

The application was approved by five votes to two.

Document submitted to members of the Planning Committee by Philip Grant: (Click bottom right square to enlarge)

'Terrorist danger' leads to wider road closures around Wembley Event Days

Local residents are used to local roads being closed for several hours on Wembley Event Days with bus routes curtailed or diverted but Brent Council has now issued a Temporary Traffic Prohibition Order that could closed them from 10pm the day before an Event Day until 8am the day after the event. It is anticipated that the prohibition would not be in place throughout those hours but only as 'required by the police' according to the Council's statutory notice below so we must adopt and wait and see the practical impact of the order which will run initially from February 16th to December 31st 2019

The Order is on the recommendation of the Metropolitan Police and due to 'purposes  relating to damage or danger connected with terrorism.'

There are already concrete barriers at strategic points around the area and a multi-agency committee meets regularly to monitor safety issues including the danger posed by potential terrorism incidents when there are such large crowds in the vicinity of the Stadium and Arena.

 

Extra security at Wembley this weekend plus Manchester tributes

Photo: Evening Standard/Getty Images

During the consultation on 'Shaping a Healthier Future' which proposed closure of several A&E services, including Central Middlesex, I repeatedly raised the issue of whether what remained could cope with a 'major incident' in Brent which includes the Park Royal Industrial Estate,  several railway lines, the North Circular, Wembley Arena and Wembley Stadium all potential accident or attack sites.

On event days at Wembley roads in the area are very congested, particularly for the recently increased full capacity events, making acess for emergency vehicles extremely difficult.

The events in Manchester make this question even more relevant. I understand there is a special committee that keeps security in Wembley under constant review although its proceedings are not made public.

It appears that we may see armed police patrolling in Wembley this long weekend of Stadium events.

Meanwhile the Stadium has issued the following guidance to fans:

MESSAGE FOR FANS COMING TO WEMBLEY STADIUM

The safety of fans is of paramount importance and we have robust security measures in place at Wembley Stadium connected by EE. In collaboration with the Metropolitan Police and the local authorities there will be an enhanced security operation for all upcoming events. 

All supporters attending the upcoming matches at Wembley Stadium are advised to arrive as early as possible to avoid queues and to support commemorations of the tragic events in Manchester this week.

Fans can be assured that all appropriate security measures are in place for the upcoming matches, which includes thorough searches upon entrance to Wembley Stadium, and they are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to avoid any delays in entering the stadium.  We strongly advise that all supporters arrive at the stadium no later than 1 hour prior kick-off to be inside for the start of the match and we encourage spectators to not bring any bags or unnecessary items with them.

The FA plans to appropriately remember Monday’s Manchester attack before the kick-off of the Emirates FA Cup Final including: 

• A period of silence will be observed prior to kick-off
• Commemorative wreaths will be laid by The President of the Football Association, his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge and The Football Association Chairman, Greg Clarke
• Arsenal and Chelsea players will wear black armbands as well as the match officials

In addition, all four teams and match officials taking part in the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals on Sunday and Monday will wear black armbands and observe a period of silence prior to kick-off.

On Tuesday night The FA lit the Wembley Arch in England colours to remember the victims and to show support for all those affected by the attack, as well as displaying ‘For Manchester’ on the front of the stadium.

The Emirates FA Cup Final matchday programme was printed prior to this weekend’s matches, so there is no reference to Monday night’s tragic events due to print deadline. The FA will instead be showing its support with the plans listed above.

We thank all supporters for their cooperation and understanding.

Saturday 27 May

Emirates FA Cup Final: Arsenal v Chelsea

17:30 kick-off

Sunday 28 May

Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final: Blackpool v Exeter City

15:00 kick-off

Monday 29 May

Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final: Huddersfield Town v Reading

15:00 kick-off

Resident launches petition to Sadiq Khan after Council agrees Wembley Stadium tower blocks planning application

I have received this from Sonia Shah. The petition can be signed HERE

Stop Brent Council from rushing through planning applications for big developments

I am a resident of Wembley, and an active member of resident-led campaign Keep Wembley Tidy. I would appreciate it if you could spare a minute to take a look at my petition, and circulate/publicise it. There is a great concern for public safety at Wembley Stadium and the surrounding area.

Brent Council approved all 5 planning applications related to the Quintain-owned lands around Wembley Stadium in just a single planning committee meeting on Wednesday evening. This is in spite of two councillors not being in attendance (under legal advice) and a third leaving before the final item was addressed. The new developments include high rise housing, more hotels and more student accommodation (with limited natural light which, according to Quintain, is irrelevant since it's temporary accommodation).

Plans for the car parks were approved last night by Brent Council, along with a scheme to bring 4,850 new homes, 350,000sq ft of new offices and shops, two new hotels, a new seven-acre public park, student accomodation and a 600-place primary school to Wembley Park as part of one of the biggest regeneration schemes in Europe.

Julie Harrington, operations director at the FA, last night told the council’s planning committee the location of the car parks off South Way “created genuine public order and safety concerns which would serve as a retrograde step for the stadium.” She said developer Quintain was ”working from a position to maximise profits” rather than to “protect fan safety”. “The holding of fans, the kettling of fans, that’s a return to the 1970s in my view. Even a short amount of time holding people, irate fans from teams that have lost, or rival fans mixing together is too much.” Ms Harrington warned that the FA “would not be able to attract major events to Wembley if fan’s can’t leave the car park.” “We cannot be complacent about the huge steps forward made in stadium safety in the past two decades. No-one should believe that its acceptable to herd fans like cattle. We must learn from past mistakes.”

The Football Association also argued that more flats by Wembley stadium would cause worrying safety issues http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/wembley-stadium-tower-block-plan-would-risk-fans-safety-a3245221.html What about the number of new residents needing to see local GPs and the effect on local hospitals? Having already closed Central Middlesex and Hammersmith A & E departments, they are now threatening to cut 500 hospital beds http://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/revealed-london-nhs-chiefs-to-axe-enough-beds-to-fill-a-hospital-in-battle-to-plug-1bn-black-hole-a3244251.html

Councillor Michael Maurice, the only member of the planning committee to vote against the proposals, told the meeting: “Up to 5,000 fans kettled? We don’t want to see another Hillsborough.” (A statement here on the original petition has now been removed by Sonia Shah - see comemnts below)

Objectors are also opposed to the size and scale of seven residential and commerical tower blocks of up to 19 storeys which were also given outline approval. Critics say they could block “iconic” views of Wembley from across London.

What chance do local residents have to try and make Brent Council see sense if they won’t listen to the FA, Sport England and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport?

Brent Council have given the go ahead for another 4,500 more homes in Wembley High Road and another 4,000 by the canal in Alperton.  They are also planning to build flats where the Fountain TV studios are and St Josephs social club (close to London Designer Outlet) is closing, it sits on a nice large piece of land just suitable ..for more flats?

Add to this the impact of events at the Stadium and the Arena - capacity of 90K plus staff at the stadium and 12K plus staff at the Arena = a potential extra 105K people in the area if events are on at both venues.  

What about public transport?
What about refuse collection – does the contract Veolia have with Brent Council include dealing with waste from all these new homes? 
What about services like sewers, water supplies, gas, electric?
What about the environment as a whole?
Brent Council has experienced a torrent of internal squabbles over the last few weeks, and rushing through such proposals, that'll have a huge impact on the surrounding area, is simply irrational.

This petition will be delivered to:

• Barry Gardiner MP
• Football Association
• Mayor of London
  Sadiq Khan

Romanians protest at denial of democratic right to vote in Romanian election at Wembley polling station

Post by Ion Holban.

Manilow May-hem expected in Wembley next year

Wembley residents are usually stoical in the face of football and music fans taking over their streets for events at the stadium, Arena and Fountain Studios.

These hardened survivors of Barcelona vs Manchester United trembled though at the news that Barry Manilow, and thousands of his fans, will descend on Wembley Arena for a two night engagement on May 13th and 14th next year.

 

Tickets are now on sale at prices ranging from £29.50 to £111.50.

Civic Centre: Thank you Brent Labour...

I thought readers might appreciate this  posted on Save Preston Library Facebook  page earlier today. Brent Green Party has been raising questions about the £100,000,000 plus cost of the new grandiose Civic Centre for several years now. The prime site is adjacent to Wembley Arena and Wembley Stadium which will make the Civic Centre Public Library unusable by the public on event days.

 To be fair the project was mooted under the previous Lib Dem-Conservative administration and agreed at the time by Labour. There have been doubts expressed by all three major parties since, at various times, usually during elections, but the project (championed by ex Chief Executive Gareth Daniel) lived on.

Northern jaws drop at sight of Civic Centre

This morning I  was asked by a couple of northerners down for tomorrow's rugby challenge final about the strange building arising opposite the Wembley Arena and the Stadium. They were staggered when they heard it was the council's Civic Centre and cost £100m. They thought we were all mad when I said the same council had closed down half our libraries.

Never mind, Cllr Powney still berates Brent Green Party  for opposing a fantastic green building. If the council erected a marble Stalinist Palace of Culture in his honour at a cost of £250m he would still expect us to support it if it had a grass roof!

Anyway make up your own minds. For my friends from the south who may not yet have seen it here are some pictures taken today. Decide for yourself if this is just a touch grandiose...

Wembley Olympics - summer jams ahead?

With Lorraine King at the Kilburn Times managing to get Transport for London to admit that they have rephased traffic lights ahead of the Olympics LINK, resulting in tailbacks; road closures on Wednesday for the Torch procession, and Olympic lanes around venues, advice to residents not to use Wembley Park station, we can expect some confusion in the weeks ahead. 

The video below attempts to explain the restrictions.  It has collected a number of critical comments, including some suggesting that the arrangements are really for corporate sponsors, rather than athletes and officials as the video claims. 

More on Cliff's Statue, because......"he deserves it"

I am going to resist having a giggle about this proposal for a statue of Sir Cliff Richard at Wembley Arena but enjoy one of your own by looking at the document yourself HERE

'Living Doll Cliff ' to be immortalised in Wembley

Some people think he is in immortal anyway but a statue of Sir Cliff Richard is due to be erected at Wembley's Arena Square. The 2 metre high bronze statue has been commissioned by Thank You For The Music of Oppland, Norway.

A Council insider said, 'Moscow has Lenin's tomb and soon Wembley will have Cliff's statue.  We expect this to become a major tourist attraction, if not a shrine. Its positioning close to the new Civic Centre will answer critics who have called the Council philistines because we have closed half the borough's libraries. This statue will restore our cultural credentials.'

Okay, I made the Council's comment up but if YOU want to comment on the planning application follow this LINK. The decision will be made by November 24th.

No anti-EDL demonstration in Wembley as attention shifts to Barking

After its meeting tonight Brent and Harrow UAF said they had been overwhelmed by the tremendous support they had received from the entire local community and the 40 Brent Labour councillors in their stand against the English Defence League (EDL).

They said that at present they do not now expect the EDL to come to Wembley on Saturday and will not be holding a demonstration. However, they will be ready for a united demonstration of community solidarity, at any time that the EDL  may venture into the area. The EDL are not welcome here.

Meanwhile the EDL is taking its delusions and distortions over to Barking this weekend where the BNP are standing in a by-election. The UAF will be making opposition to racism and fascism in Barking a priority and will be mobilising against them.

Brent and Harrow UAF hope to organise an event in the Autumn which will celebrate the enormous strengths of our diverse borough and demonstrate that we will not tolerate attempts to divide us.

Check this blog for any further information in the run up to Saturday as the situation remains fluid

EDL Oppose Peaceful Dialogue

The English Defence League are apparently considering coming to Wembley to demonstrate against a conference aimed at building understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.

The conference due to be held at the Wembley Arena on June 26th, is the Al-Khair Peace Convention 2010  and  its aims are set out on their website:

"Peace, internal and external be it on an 'individual' or at a 'worldwide collective' level is a must for effective human progress and realistic global unity.

For people of all beliefs, this conference will be a learning opportunity to realize, reflect on and correct their misunderstanding (if any) about Islam in the light of talks by authoritative and renowned international speakers.

Conference Focus
* To create a better awareness and understanding of Islam and its message of peace for the entire humanity, in an objective way.
* To remove misconceptions, false fear and hate of Islam and Muslims globally.
* To realize that Islam is a just, righteous and peaceful way of life, with due care for human rights and moral values."


The fact that the EDL wants to protest at an attempt at dialogue speaks for itself. How to combat the EDL's unwelcome presence in Wembley will be discussed over the next few days by Brent and Harrow Unite Against Fascism and other organisations.  I will post updates here as soon as I have them.

The organisers of the Convention have said that they will go ahead and that they are confident of their security arrangements.