On the eve of one of the greatest North London derbies of all time, Tottenham have announced the decision that they will leave their home of 109 years for a new multi-purpose built arena that will sit adjacent to the current ground.
The Naming Rights for The New Stadium
The North London club have also annoucned that the naming rights will also be sold to a sponsor to generate extra funds, similar to the arrangement at rivals Arsenal with the Emirates Stadium. Their will no doubt be numerous offers for this right, with many business' wanting a piece of the booming football industry.
While this is a useful way of accumulating extra cash for the development project, many fans believe that the club loses part of it's identity if the name of the stadium is handed over to a third party. At first many 'Gooners' refused to call their new home 'The Emirates Stadium', preferring the more traditional 'Ashburton Grove', however with the club into it's third season at the ground the majority of fans have indeed adopted 'The Emirates' as home.
The Northumberland Development Project
Tottenham Hotspur's plans stem further than simply a stadium. As well as a stadium for match day purposes, the project also includes a new club museum, new club shops, new houses, a new base for the 'Tottenham Hotspur Foundation' and important new public space.
Chairman Daniel Levy told the club site:
"The Northumberland Development Project would deliver a world class scheme and substantial new investment for Haringey and our supporters," said chairman Daniel Levy.
"It represents a significant step in the growth of the club, with a proposed stadium capacity of 60,000 and would provide state-of-the-art facilities, important public space, new jobs and homes and a significant boost for the local economy.
"It would also enable us to provide a new base for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation so that its award winning programmes can continue and have an even greater impact in the local community.
"Tottenham Hotspur is proud of its roots in Haringey. We have been in the Borough for 126 years and the club is inextricably linked with this part of London. We believe that this scheme has the potential to create a truly inspirational environment for the club and the community as well as acting as the catalyst for the uplift of the wider area.
"We are at an early stage of what is part of our long term plans for the club and now we want the views of local people and our fans. I hope people will take the time to look at our plans and let us have their comments."
