The Gateway to Hell

It seems that Croydon Council have succeeded in persuading the Secretary of State to dismiss Stanhope's application to develop the Dingwall Road site, known as the Gateway project.

This means, according to the Council, that the way is clear for their preferred developer Arrowcroft to develop the site; and build a 12500 seat indoor arena.

In my view there are a number of problems with this:

• Much of the site around the Dingwall Road area is owned by Stanhope. This will be difficult to acquire from them without a fight, and will inevitably delay any development.


• Why does Croydon need a 12500 seat arena?


• Can Croydon afford a 12500 seat arena?


• Croydon Council talk of compulsory purchases of land around the site, can Croydon afford to do this?


• How long will this take?

It seems that the citizens of Croydon will be forced to endure the decay,and squalor, of Dingwall Road for a few more years.

Feel free to post your views on The Forum.

The full press release from the Council can be viewed here Croydon Council press release.