QPR in talks over new 30,000-seat stadium a mile from Loftus Road

Thinking big: Loftus Road has a capacity of 18,238 and QPR want to build a stadium to hold 30,000 fans
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Simon Johnson9 February 2017

QPR chief executive Lee Hoos today confirmed the club are considering developing a new ground at the Linford Christie Stadium — just one mile from their current home.

The Championship club are looking at new sites, having given up on their plan to build a 40,000 all-seat stadium at nearby Old Oak Common.

QPR have held informal discussions with Hammersmith & Fulham Council over the possibility of knocking down Linford Christie Stadium, the base for Thames Valley Harriers athletics club.

Hoos said: “We are looking at all possible options to secure the future of the club in Hammersmith and Fulham and benefit the community.

“A potential partnership with an athletics club such as Thames Valley Harriers to create a new community stadium — and an adjacent athletics track — could bring huge benefits to both clubs, as well as to the local community that is our home.

“Before putting forward any formal proposal for a new community stadium, we would consult fans, local residents, schools, charities and others to see how best we could achieve those aims.”

The new stadium would hold 30,000 supporters, while Loftus Road has a capacity of just 18,238.

Hammersmith & Fulham Council is keen to keep the club in the borough and it is open to any ideas for the Linford Christie Stadium.

The idea is still in its infancy, though, and Rangers will now have to come up with some official plans for the project.

It will not be easy because the site is opposite Hammersmith Hospital and there are question marks over whether the club will have to buy or lease the land from the council. They will also have to come up with an agreeable plan with the council for Loftus Road, which is likely to be sold for property redevelopment.

It is believed that QPR owners Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal will provide a lot of the funding for a switch to Linford Christie Stadium, which will cost less than the original scheme at Old Oak Common.

Rangers had to shelve a move there because of fierce opposition from Cargiant, which owns the land upon which the club wanted to build.

Cargiant has plans to regenerate the venue, including creating 6,500 new homes and 8,000 jobs.

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