Plans to build a new hotel at the foot of Wembley Stadium have sparked a wave of opposition, with more than 200 formal objections lodged and a petition signed by over 700 people. The proposals, submitted by developer Quintain to Brent Council, include a hotel of up to 17 storeys, commercial space, and a new Civic Square. Critics, including local MP Barry Gardiner and ward councillors, argue the development would destroy a much-loved community hub used as a market square and children's play area since 2022.
Community spaces at risk
The 'meanwhile' space, known as Market Square and Samovar Space, has been a vibrant gathering point for residents, hosting a local market and providing a safe outdoor play area for families. The objections predominantly focus on the loss of these amenities. One resident wrote: “These spaces are essential to the wellbeing of local residents. The market supports small businesses, provides access to local goods, and serves as an important social hub that brings the community together. The children's play area offers a safe outdoor space for families and encourages healthy physical activity and social interaction.”
Another objector echoed these sentiments: “I am concerned that this development would result in the loss of a much-loved public space that provides significant social, cultural and wellbeing benefits to residents. While new development may bring commercial benefits, I do not believe these outweigh the loss of a community asset that is actively used and enjoyed by so many local people.”
Development details and history
The plot, located at the bottom of the Olympic Steps leading to Wembley Stadium and adjacent to Brent Council's Civic Centre, has outline planning permission for either a hotel or office building under the 2011 Masterplan. Quintain had to wait for the construction of the new Olympic Steps before submitting this detailed application. The revised design reduces the height from the initially permitted 20 storeys to a maximum of 17.
According to the developers, the hotel entrance and lobby would open onto Samovar Square, with retail or restaurant units along Olympic Way. Samovar Square would be “combined into a space” for public use and events, with modifications to the pedestrian link to Wembley Park Boulevard.
Political and public backlash
Brent West MP Barry Gardiner has been vocal in his opposition, suggesting that another hotel in the area would offer “very little benefit” to residents and “risks damaging the community” by removing “one of the few free, open spaces in Wembley Park.” He highlighted several potential harms, including prolonged noise disruption during construction, reduced sunlight due to the building's scale, increased traffic and congestion, and diminished vibrancy of the area.
Mr Gardiner stated: “It is my view that this application offers very little benefit to residents and in fact risks damaging the community, whereas the existing use of the plot as the Market Square/Samovar Space has visible and proven benefits. Permission should not be granted without wider consultation of residents. I support my constituents’ calls for the application to be heard at the Planning Committee with public speaking rights for local residents, and for a public explanation of how the developer has met the conditions to benefit from £12.1 million of public funds in submitting this application.”
Public funds and conditions
Brent Council's Cabinet had previously approved a £12.1 million contribution towards improvements, provided Quintain did not pursue a development with the same parameters as outlined in the planning permission and worked with the local authority to create a new square outside the Civic Centre Library. The new design now aligns with these conditions, but critics question whether the community benefits have been adequately addressed.
The application has generated significant local pushback, with approximately 220 objections on the council's planning portal and an online petition opposing the plan signed by more than 700 people. The overwhelming majority of objections cite the loss of Market Square and Samovar Space as the primary concern, underscoring the deep attachment residents have to these communal areas.
