It was the “end of an era” this afternoon as Wembley Stadium’s iconic walkway ramp was demolished after serving customers for 46 years.

Quintain, Wembley Park’s regeneration giant, started the controversial work to replace the pedestrian walkway, known as the pedway.

The ‘Olympic Steps’ form the final stage of a wider package of upgrades to the length of Olympic Way.

Martin Francis said it was the “end of an era” adding: “Local opinion is divided on whether the pedway should have been removed and whether steps are safer and more aesthetically pleasing alternative, but there is much more unity on questioning whether Brent Council should have used millions of Community Infrastructure Levy on a project that benefits Wembley Stadium and Quintain rather than local people.”

Cllr Ketan Sheth, Tokyngton ward representative, said: “Disappointing that the Pedway is going, but fair to say that at its current length is by no way a compliant route for those less able to walk or those using a wheelchair independently.

“And, the new Olympic Steps project, which includes four lifts, will enhance existing provision.”

The steps are made up of sixteen channels divided by handrails and walls with 48 steps taking people from Olympic Way to the top.

These will be separated into four flights of 12 steps with landing levels between them.

Underneath the steps a public space will be created, lit by 36 giant pavement lights from above.

Four lifts each able to carry three wheelchair users at a time will be installed.

Brent Council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of property giant application to “enhance” Wembley Park in 2018 despite overwhelming opposition.

The pedway was built in 1974 to facilitate pedestrian access to the old stadium over a coach park that no longer exists.

Quintain lodged an application to build new steps to replace the two ramps in 2007 when the new stadium was built, saying it would be “one of the largest pieces of privately funded public space in the UK”.

Brent Council agreed in 2017 to gift the company £17.8m of public levy money to help pay for it and other “improvements” to the public realm.

James Saunders, chief exec of Quintain said: “The completed Olympic Way upgrades, including the iconic new Olympic Steps, will dramatically transform the arrival to Wembley Park and the National Stadium, creating a new and improved experience for spectators and fantastic new public spaces for our residents, shoppers and workers who come to Wembley Park every day.”