The team which will head up the development of the largest site in Old Oak Common have been unveiled – putting plans for a new QPR stadium in further jeopardy.
Cargiant, the largest private land owner of Old Oak Park in Harlesden, have appointed 10 seperate organisations or companies for the project spanning over 47 acres.
Tony Mendes, managing director of Cargiant, said: “I’m delighted we have appointed our full masterplanning team and to have such expert partners working with us.
“As a major landowner and one of the most successful local businesses in the area, we are an important part of the community and best placed to understand what is right for the site.
“We are committed to delivering a scheme of exceptional quality, which brings real benefit for local people. We want this to be a part of London we would all be proud to live in and visit.
“There is already great momentum behind the project and we look forward to talking to local communities in the coming months so that those who already live and work around Old Oak Common directly help to shape its future.”
The appointment has dealt a further blow to the plans by the Premier league team to create their own vision on a section of Old Oak Park by building a new stadium and hundreds of homes.
If QPR choose to go ahead on their chosen site they will need to buy some land of Cargiant, which has been unsuccessful so far, or obtain a Compulsory Purchase Order.
According to a source a CPO would be unlikely because Cargiant are willing to redevelop the land, the cost of obtaining one could exceed £1biliion and the time to be granted one could take as much as ten years
Last month, Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, approved a scheme by the Mayor of London to regenerate Old Oak Common which promises to boost the economy in the area by £15bn through the creation of a brand new city with up to 24,000 homes and more than 55,000 jobs.
Two new train stations which interchange with railway projects HS2 and Crossrail could be built in Harlesden under the plans drawn up by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.
Commenting on Cargiant’s plans, Sir Edward Lister, Deputy Mayor for planning said: “Old Oak Common represents an unprecedented chance to create a truly new piece of London.
“Cargiant is set to play an enormously important role in the regeneration of the area and we are already working with their development partner London & Regional as they help to deliver the Mayor’s vision for much needed new homes and jobs.”
QPR declined to comment.
Related links: Cargiant say a new stadium on their land at Old Oak Common is not a viable optionLocal Government Minister approves Old Oak Common and Park Royal regeneration plans
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