This west London football stadium is being turned into flats

London has many many football teams, and many many stadiums that belong to them. But stadiums don’t stay the same forever; clubs move or grow out of them, and sometimes they turn them (partly) into waterfront hospitality venues. Other times, they are upgraded to meet the needs of the club, like recent plans from Crystal Palace and Arsenal,

But there are some stadiums which are simply left alone and empty, which is exactly what happened a few years ago to Brentford FC’s old home turf Griffin Park. When the Bees’ original ground was built, they were a much smaller team, and since they were promoted to the Premier League they’ve needed more space, which has left the land, on Lionel Road South in central Brentford, up for grabs.

Finally, after four years of sitting empty, Griffin Park will be put to good use as it is due to be converted into 149 new homes, some of which will be sold at a discounted rate for key workers and local residents. The stadium was demolished in 2023, after serving fans for over a century, and now developers have submitted plans for their renovation of the vacant area, with local residents in mind.

As well as several blocks of flats and 41 houses, there will be a ‘large green heart’ at the centre of the block which will contain a playpark for children that ‘celebrates the history of the site’. The developers, EcoWorld, have also said that sustainability will be at the heart of the project, and that they intend to reduce their carbon footprint by 60% with ‘solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and low carbon heating systems.’

Gregor Mitchell, who works as a Senior Director for the firm, said: ‘We know how much Griffin Park means to the local community and to Brentford FC fans everywhere and we firmly believe that our updated plans will honour the legacy of the old stadium whilst delivering housing and public space that is much-needed by the local community.’

Planning permission was only submitted to Hounslow council earlier this month, so it could be a while before it is granted and things can really start moving. It could be months, or even years, so try not to get too excited right now. You know what they say: good things come to west Londoners who wait.

ICYMI: The best stouts and porters you can buy in London during the Guinness shortage

Will it be a white Christmas? London’s Christmas day weather forecast for 2024.