AMBITIOUS plans to create a high street shopping destination next to the national stadium have been unveiled as a poll of residents reveals more than half do not buy from stores in the area. The scheme will deliver a new pedestrianised shopping street fr

AMBITIOUS plans to create a high street shopping destination next to the national stadium have been unveiled as a poll of residents reveals more than half do not buy from stores in the area.

The scheme will deliver a new pedestrianised shopping street from Engineers Way to Fulton Road, improvements to Olympic Way, a community park, 1,300 homes, hotel space and affordable workspace.

Nick Shattock, Quintain's deputy chief executive, said: "We want to create a thriving new quarter with more than 30 shops, complementing the offer at Wembley High Road, attracting a range of high street favourites and independent shops.

Brent Council's Local Development Framework and Wembley Masterplan 2009 seeks new shops for Wembley, a need supported in an independent survey carried out by research firm ComRes assessing the habits of 1,000 Wembley residents.

The research found 56 per cent of Wembley residents rarely do their shopping in Wembley while 42 per cent 'rarely' or 'never' do their shopping in Wembley High Road at all, preferring Brent Cross, Harrow, Ealing, Westfield and the West End.

Cllr Ann John OBE, Brent Council leader, said: "The regeneration of Wembley is hugely important for the borough and it is great to see the transformation already taking shape. Our planning policy does seek attractive new shopping at Wembley and it is no surprise to me that the research confirms this desire from local people too.

The plans also include:

New designer fashion outlets and sports stores, to add a unique shopping offer at Wembley.

Connections from Wembley Park Station right through to Wembley High Road, across the new White Horse Bridge.

6,900 jobs, offering long-term employment to local people.

4,307 homes for around 10,000 people, including new affordable housing.

Accommodation for 660 students, a nursing home for 90 people and facilities for 20 people with special needs.

Major new public spaces, including Arena Square and Station Square.

A new multiplex cinema and other leisure facilities.

New community facilities, including nursery space, a GP surgery and space for arts, sports and cultural activities.

By September 2013, Quintain will also have created the Hilton International Hotel, delivered new student accommodation, completed a 9-screen cinema and opened a major new retail hub including a designer outlet centre.

The plans, designed by Make architects, can be seen at a public exhibition at the Olympic Suite, Wembley Plaza Hotel, Empire Way from July 14 -19 with details online at www.yourwembley.com.

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