What's new

Daniel Levy article in the Evening Standard.

spursgirls

SC Supporter
Aug 13, 2008
19,161
38,939
Put this on the new stadium thread too, but just in case people don't look there.Mods feel free to delete if you want to.

Evening Standard article today

http://bit.ly/e8YCYO

Daniel Levy - Evening Standard article

08 February 2011



The Olympic Park Legacy Company have a tough decision to make that will affect the future viability and success of the Olympic Park for decades to come.
They are looking to ensure the venues in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park have long-term tenants that are financially viable, sustainable, able to maximise the use of that venue to support the wider vibrancy of the Olympic Park and do not burden the taxpayer.
I believe that Tottenham Hotspur's plans for the Olympic Stadium site meet every one of these criteria - whilst also delivering a coherent and comprehensive legacy for athletics.
The original 2012 legacy was to demolish the stadium and leave a 25,000 capacity athletics stadium.
This was taken to the market and no tenant could be found, so the OPLC started to look at other options and indicated they would be prepared to consider a bid from Tottenham Hotspur for a rebuilt or reconfigured stadium without a running track - as long as we also planned for an athletics legacy.
The easiest, most cost-effective option we could have chosen was to have submitted a bid which retained the athletics track but there is a fundamental reason we have not proposed this - it would not have delivered or guaranteed a viable, sustainable legacy. Quite simply, athletics and football cannot successfully co-exist.
The experience of clubs in Europe clearly demonstrates that forcing co-existence in stadia that were not primarily designed for football is a short-term fix.
Data shows that staging football matches in a large stadium with an athletics track results in a poor spectator experience, leading to reduced attendances, excess supply of seats, the undermining of pricing structures and higher operating costs. The combination of these factors causes football clubs to move because their business models become unviable.
Three European cities which have hosted a summer Olympic Games also provide compelling evidence for London. In Munich and Barcelona the experiment has left an empty Olympic stadium, after bad experiences for fans and clubs concerned. In Athens, there are unhappy football tenants with very low attendance figures, working desperately to relocate.
Our proposal uses as much of the existing stadium infrastructure as possible, to maximise the benefit of the public investment to date. We are not "demolishing £500million" of stadium infrastructure - we are removing and recycling around £80m with zero to landfill, leaving around £420m of investment in place. Indeed, it is worth remembering that two thirds of the Olympic Stadium, under the original legacy plan, was to be dismantled.
Our bid proposals will deliver a 365- days-a-year venue. In addition to selling-out for football, together with AEG, the company which saved the Dome from being a white elephant, the stadium would host world-class concerts, sports, entertainment and community events ensuring year-round use.
We also propose a major tourist attraction based around extreme sports and incorporating a specialist sports retailing centre, restaurants, cafes and bars along with a full programme of community activities across the public realm managed by the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.
This combination of activities will deliver over three million visitors a year to this part of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - visitors from the UK and around the world - creating a showcase destination for London. There has also rightly been much debate recently about ensuring a proper legacy for athletics. We have looked long and hard at this issue and believe that what we are proposing offers a robust, viable and appropriate legacy for athletics.
In terms of infrastructure, we would pay for the significant redevelopment of the Crystal Palace Athletics Stadium as a dedicated home for the sport, which would see the venue's capacity increased to 25,000, with the ability to convert to 40,000 for a World Championships.
Importantly, it would be available to athletes every single day of the year. This is something that is not possible at the Olympic Stadium under West Ham's proposal, given the demands of the football season, summer pitch relaying and the hosting of other events during the summer - access for athletics has been set at a mere 20 days per year.
In addition, we have put together a substantial package to provide long-term funding for grass-roots athletics and community programmes across London and we would work with relevant athletics and other groups to help deliver this.
Our community programmes are multi-sport with guaranteed multi-million pound funding, an array of activities delivered in the stadium, across the public realm and with outreach work in all five Olympic boroughs.
We believe this is a fantastic opportunity to create a true Olympic legacy - we have put together a bid that is financially robust and fully underwritten, delivers a substantial return to the public purse, would provide a dedicated athletics legacy, includes funding and provision for comprehensive sporting and community activities and engagement and is backed by a team experienced in delivering.
There is no danger of a white elephant, no need for public subsidy now or in the future and no need for a future alteration to the stadium under our plans. But our bid goes further than just the Olympic site. Our move to Stratford would kick-start nearly half a billion pounds worth of investment in London in no less than three boroughs - three capital projects would be delivered - a new stadium built in Stratford, capital project works in Crystal Palace and a mixed-use scheme development in Tottenham.
These new projects would drive substantial regeneration benefits for Londoners, delivering employment, commercial opportunities and community engagement.
Our bid provides for real investment in east, south and north London and will return money to the Government and ensure no further call on council taxpayers. Furthermore, alongside these developments we would extend and continue our work in these communities through the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.
We hope that the OPLC make a decision based on what is right for London, Londoners and for the public purse, with the solution that will stand the test of time for both athletics and football, that helps create a vibrant Olympic Park and delivers the promised legacy of regeneration.
Tottenham Hotspur can guarantee to deliver on all these fronts.
 

kaz Hirai

Well-Known Member
Nov 5, 2008
17,692
25,340
our bid is the most sensible, don't know if the legacy company will see it that way though, think the press have done a grand job of making us look like somekind of soulless evil corporate force, like we want to rip up half of big ben and turn it into a Tesco Express :lol:
 

RobinLeonard

Well-Known Member
May 8, 2008
1,142
45
As a fan I am very biased. But Levy makes so much sense I can't believe anyone is arguing with him.
 

nickchrissi

Well-Known Member
May 5, 2004
2,134
33
our bid is the most sensible, don't know if the legacy company will see it that way though, think the press have done a grand job of making us look like somekind of soulless evil corporate force, like we want to rip up half of big ben and turn it into a Tesco Express :lol:

Good! I'm with Karen Brady and every spammer on this one!
 

rez9000

Any point?
Feb 8, 2007
11,942
21,098
our bid is the most sensible, don't know if the legacy company will see it that way though, think the press have done a grand job of making us look like somekind of soulless evil corporate force, like we want to rip up half of big ben and turn it into a Tesco Express :lol:
This is what confuses me. I read a paper on the way to work everyday and read a Sunday paper and have the Grauniad app, and for the life of me, I can't see this bias peopele have mentioned in the media.

The Sun may be biased (I'm conjecturing - I wouldnt' buy that piece of shit rag for all the tea in China) because of Brady and the fact that it's always biased, often on both sides of an argument, but I don't see it in the rest of the media.
 

kaz Hirai

Well-Known Member
Nov 5, 2008
17,692
25,340
This is what confuses me. I read a paper on the way to work everyday and read a Sunday paper and have the Grauniad app, and for the life of me, I can't see this bias peopele have mentioned in the media.

The Sun may be biased (I'm conjecturing - I wouldnt' buy that piece of shit rag for all the tea in China) because of Brady and the fact that it's always biased, often on both sides of an argument, but I don't see it in the rest of the media.

maybe the tide has turned recently? but ive read a few papers with big sensational spreads talking about how we are going to march in and practically implode the beautiful olympic stadium that will be the envy of the world and paid for by the blood and sweat of the people of Britain, while sweet old west ham will keep it intact just the way nature intended
 

rez9000

Any point?
Feb 8, 2007
11,942
21,098
maybe the tide has turned recently? but ive read a few papers with big sensational spreads talking about how we are going to march in and practically implode the beautiful olympic stadium that will be the envy of the world and paid for by the blood and sweat of the people of Britain, while sweet old west ham will keep it intact just the way nature intended
I honestly don't know what to tell you, mate. I simply can't remember a time when I've felt that Spurs were slighted when speaking of the OS. The odd time, I've thought they've got something wrong, but that's about the strength of it.

Dunno, really. :shrug:
 

SpurSince57

Well-Known Member
Jan 20, 2006
45,213
8,229
Our bid provides for real investment in east, south and north London and will return money to the Government and ensure no further call on council taxpayers. Furthermore, alongside these developments we would extend and continue our work in these communities through the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

Tottenham, however, can just fuck off.
 

Phantom

Well-Known Member
Jun 6, 2005
5,856
3,212
I honestly don't know what to tell you, mate. I simply can't remember a time when I've felt that Spurs were slighted when speaking of the OS. The odd time, I've thought they've got something wrong, but that's about the strength of it.

Dunno, really. :shrug:

It was mainly coverage of views given by nobodies from the world of Athletics, and of course the Wet spam she devil who moans about us daring to comment on our own bid. The amount of mud slinging coming from her has probably swayed more spurs fans towards getting the OS than anything Levy has said.
 

SpurSince57

Well-Known Member
Jan 20, 2006
45,213
8,229
Flashback to May last year!

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/fut...rthumberland-development-project-190510a.html

New plans for Northumberland Development Project
New planning application responds to consultation and delivers further design improvements to the overall masterplan creating an enhanced setting for the iconic new stadium. Key improvements include:

• A redesign of the Southern area of the site resulting in a stunning new design for the hotel and residential buildings.
• An enlarged public square on a raised podium, which extends from the High Road to Worcester Avenue and connects directly into the Stadium, new Tottenham Hotspur Foundation offices set alongside facilitating even greater community use and activity.
• A high quality environment along the High Road with a new courtyard setting for retained historic buildings to the South and trees, gates and structures in front of the Stadium linking to the existing terrace of historic buildings to the North.
• Grade II listed Warmington House, along with 3 other locally listed buildings with historic links to the Club, to be retained - the Red House, Dispensary and the former White Hart Pub - all to be refurbished and brought back to life.
• Fantastic new Club Megastore with integrated Club museum, ticket office and café.
• Further improvements to the development including a Skybar and roof garden on the adjacent supermarket, linked directly to the Stadium.
• The re-use of the famous Bill Nicholson Gates, ‘Cockerel on the Ball' Clock and ‘Golden Cockerel' statue within the public realm.

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club today announced exciting new plans for the Northumberland Development Project, to be submitted to Haringey Council this week.

The scheme continues to deliver a supermarket to the North, the Stadium connecting directly onto the High Road and homes, a hotel and public square to the South - but now within a new design and landscaping approach. The improvements include a larger public square located on a raised podium, a new design for the hotel and residential buildings, an active courtyard setting for retained historic buildings and continuity of buildings along the High Road connecting North and South.

The previous application received strong backing from the local community and fans alike - with over 800 letters of support sent to Haringey Council from individuals, groups and businesses. The design improvements contained in the new application are the culmination of consultation and discussion with the Government's Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), English Heritage and other agencies. The changes directly reflect the Club's desire to find the very best solution for the Club and the locality.

Speaking about the changes, Daniel Levy, Chairman of THFC, said:

"We have looked again at the overall masterplan and design of buildings in the south, as well as the impact on Tottenham High Road. We have used this opportunity to make further design improvements to the scheme.

"Schemes of this magnitude involve much time and effort by many parties and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has taken part in the consultation process to date. There is undoubtedly huge support for the development and for retaining the Club in the Borough. Following the consultation period on these new plans we look forward to proceeding to a Haringey Council planning committee to determine the application shortly.

"In much the same way as we persevered and delivered the Training Centre, we remain focussed and committed to delivering a world class, increased capacity stadium, full of atmosphere and creating a thriving new environment on the High Road which would deliver regeneration benefits so important to this part of the Borough and the local community."


Ken Shuttleworth, Founder of Make, the scheme's architect, said:

"The masterplan balances the old and the new, creating a world-class setting for the new stadium and wider development. We have designed an exciting scheme that would be an amenity for the whole community, benefiting the wider Tottenham area."

Stadium Architect David Keirle of KSS, said:

"The stadium itself will be one of the finest anywhere in the world, with exceptional atmosphere including the single tier stand, excellent acoustics and modern new facilities across the building. The stadium architecture responds to the Spurs identity, using flowing lines and a gracefully undulating roof to create a visually stunning building.

"It will be an amazing place to watch football and a fantastic addition to this part of the High Road."


Bernie Kingsley, Chair of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust, said:

"The new scheme looks impressive. The stadium is an exceptional building of which all Spurs fans would be rightly proud, and it is now surrounded by an even larger public square and cafes and bars. I am also especially pleased to see the Red House retained which has such a strong link with the Club's heritage. This is an exciting time and we look forward to moving into our new home."

The proposed new Stadium has also been included as a potential host venue for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid.

The existing 36,000 capacity stadium has remained unchanged for over a decade and the Club is currently in the position of having over 70,000 registered club members and a waiting list for season tickets of more than 23,000 people.

The Northumberland Development Project would represent an investment of hundreds of millions of pounds into North Tottenham, creating new jobs, bringing more spend into the local community and delivering new community facilities including a world class new public square.

As the new planning application process moves ahead it will be important to provide a strong demonstration of support for the scheme. The former application has been withdrawn, therefore, if you signed the petition for the former application it will not apply. Please take a moment and show your support by signing the online petition for the new application by CLICKING HERE...

As always we shall look to keep you, our supporters, along with the local community of Haringey, as informed and up-to-date as possible through the special section of the website - www.tottenhamhotspur.com/futureplans - which carries all of the latest news and later today, will be updated with more information about the new plans, so check back then for more information.

Yes, Daniel. Whatever you say.
 

hybridsoldier

Well-Known Member
Aug 2, 2004
5,892
1,185
Seems like Levy envisages the club expanding beyond just the local community in Tottenham but providing lots of great community stuff in the east north and south...you have to commend that. Seems like he sees us becoming more a London focused club than Tottenham focused.

I have been against it and for it, I think it genuinely is the only option for us. If people want the club to move forward on and off the pitch then...we have to make this move. I think staying in Tottenham at the expense of progress into one of the biggest clubs in Europe is foolish.
 

Chris12345

LADdam Hussein
Jan 15, 2005
11,908
31
Fuck off Levy... seriously, just fuck off... I appreciate you've done a lot of good for the club, but for the love of fuck, sell up now.

And that's as constructive as I'm going to get.
 

Chris12345

LADdam Hussein
Jan 15, 2005
11,908
31
Unless this is all one absolutely massive bluff... which it might be... hopefully... pleeeease?
 

SpurSince57

Well-Known Member
Jan 20, 2006
45,213
8,229
Seems like Levy envisages the club expanding beyond just the local community in Tottenham but providing lots of great community stuff in the east north and south...you have to commend that. Seems like he sees us becoming more a London focused club than Tottenham focused.

I have been against it and for it, I think it genuinely is the only option for us. If people want the club to move forward on and off the pitch then...we have to make this move. I think staying in Tottenham at the expense of progress into one of the biggest clubs in Europe is foolish.

It doesn't strike you that bullshit doesn't even come close?
 

PLTuck

Eternal Optimist
Aug 22, 2006
15,854
32,964
This is what confuses me. I read a paper on the way to work everyday and read a Sunday paper and have the Grauniad app, and for the life of me, I can't see this bias peopele have mentioned in the media.

The Sun may be biased (I'm conjecturing - I wouldnt' buy that piece of shit rag for all the tea in China) because of Brady and the fact that it's always biased, often on both sides of an argument, but I don't see it in the rest of the media.

In the BBC London article I saw a week or two ago, they were VERY biased. It was a one sided argument in favour of the West Ham bid. Not one argument was made as to why the Spurs bid should win. It pretty much focussed on the athletics legacy and track, and the fact that West Ham would keep the track.

It didnt mention that our bid represented better value for the taxpayer, made better overall financial sense, and is a joint application with the company that has made the O2 such a fantastic venue.
 

SpurSince57

Well-Known Member
Jan 20, 2006
45,213
8,229
Your rudeness to other people who hold a different opinion to you is nothing short of staggering.

I meant the bullshit came from Levy, not HS, and have edited my reply to make this clearer.

Maybe you should re-read the effusive statements Levy was making just months ago regarding the NDP and his commitment to Tottenham and compare them with what he's saying now.
 

PLTuck

Eternal Optimist
Aug 22, 2006
15,854
32,964
I meant the bullshit came from Levy, not HS, and have edited my reply to make this clearer.

Maybe you should re-read the effusive statements Levy was making just months ago regarding the NDP and his commitment to Tottenham and compare them with what he's saying now.

It is a rather cataclysmic U-turn in attitude from DL. Maybe he's learnt some of Harry's PR techniques.
 

dannythomas

Well-Known Member
May 17, 2004
3,757
2,813
The West Ham bid is superior in every way. Hopefully they will get it and then the NDP will be a Phoenix from the flames.
 
Top