Tottenham managing director Daniel Levy has confirmed that the ongoing stadium delays have brought a boost when it comes to the surrounding development with a £100million investment in the likes of transport and connection links.
The club have revealed that all of their games left in 2018 will be played at their temporary home of Wembley while their new ground is completed after a number of setbacks, meaning they will not be in their new stadium before the new year.
However, Levy revealed that there was a surprise silver lining to the delays, with transport developments set to be completed much sooner than expected, football.london stating that some of the work was not set to take place until next summer.
He was quoted by football.london as saying: “We have not stood still whilst work on the critical safety systems has been happening and we have sought to use the time to bring forward future works.
“Our investment has been supported by over £100m investment in transport infrastructure which will see the stadium and the local area served by one of the best public transport networks in the country – facilitating the creation of a new sport, leisure and entertainment destination in London.
“The delay in the stadium opening has made it possible for some track and station improvements to be brought forward due to the fact that previously non-available construction dates have become available for works.”
Opinion
While having the new stadium ready is on the forefront of many of the fans’ minds, there is no point having the new ground if the supporters cannot make their way to watch the Lilywhites on matchday. The improved transport links, many of which were not set to be completed until the middle of 2019, should ensure that those travelling to and from the game are given the best experience possible and makes things that little bit smoother for when the stadium does eventually open. It might be frustrating for the supporters to head to Wembley every other week right now but they would much rather their ground be fully finished and with the support network in place to make sure that everyone can get to watch the football rather than having to endure a second-rate experience. Still, with no confirmed date as to when the new stadium will be open, fans are still in the dark and that is not going to lift spirits after a hit-and-miss season.