June 2023 – Sept 2023 Issue No.3
Welcome to the third edition of Park Life, where we celebrate the people, businesses, places and events of the Wembley Park neighbourhood.
Plenty has happened since our last edition. Wembley Stadium has turned 100, a host of new residents, businesses and workers have arrived and construction has progressed across the neighbourhood. You can discover some of the latest changes in the next few pages, along with insights from those who work behind the scenes to make the neighbourhood what it is.
Check out our What’s On pages as this summer, there is more to do than ever in Wembley Park. From beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy and culinary venues to explore, the neighbourhood continues to grow. We also welcome you to join us for our Summer of Play with a host of free live music, street arts, dance, theatre and circus events along with interactive Play Days across Wembley Park.
As a community magazine, Park Life would also love to hear from YOU! Reach out to us via marketing@wembleypark.com to let us know what you want to see in our future issues.
Wembley Park Wembley Stadium y AtlanticC rescent WembleyPark Boulevard London Designer Outlet OVO Arena Wembley Wembley Stadium Olympic Way Olympic Wa y Troubadour Theatre Union Park (Under construction - opening to start in 2025) Fulton Roa d Engineers Way Engineers Wa y Fulton Roa d BOXPAR K Wemble y Samova r Spac e Th e Yellow Pacific Crescent Union Park Welcome
Park Life is published by Wembley Park Marketing, part of the Quintain team, the developer behind the regeneration of the neighbourhood. Printed on recycled paper certified by the World Land Trust using eco-friendly ink. Black Sheep Coffee El Estudio Pilates Chop Chop Hair Salon Fix Your Cycle Urban Rose Specsavers More Yoga Pasta Remoli Bread Ahead Quintain Living Hub Thermomix Canopy Nursery Out of Office Coffee The Cuddle Club Masalchi The White Horse Haute Dolci Estadio Lounge Itsu Amazon Fresh Out of Office Coffee The Grocery Store Black Sheep Coffee 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 17 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11 9 10 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 19 21 04 – Neighbourhood News 06 – Spotlight On… Health and Wellbeing 07 – A Taste of Summer 08 – Wembley Park ’ s Hidden Heroes 10 – Making the Most of The Great Outdoors 11 – Heart of the Community 12 – What’s On in Wembley Park 14 – A Day in the Life of... 15 – Weaver Walk Wellness 16 – #Stadium100 18 – Are You Winning with One Wembley Park? 19 – Behind the Scenes with Newsies 20 – Construction Updates 22 – Embracing Sustainable Travel 23
People of Wembley Park
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Neighbourhood News
Whatever you want to eat, drink or treat yourself to, you can find it in Wembley Park. Here’s what’s new from some of the neighbourhood’s leading retailers.
Black Sheep Coffee
We have two new drinks on the menu in our cold drink range! We’ve introduced Bubble Tea and have the T’oatally Tropical, which is an oat milkbased tea with pineapple syrup and mango boba, and the Lychee Mango Sunrise, a waterbased tea with lychee syrup and mango boba.
• Olympic Way and White Horse Square
Thermomix
Imagine a magical kitchen helper that’s part mad scientist and part master chef, all rolled into one. That’s Thermomix! It's like having a culinary wizard in your kitchen, with a touch of techno-magic. We have daily classes and demonstrations, so head down to Market Square to see it in action today.
• Find it on Market Square
What surprises do you have in store this summer?
Bread Ahead
We’ve got later opening hours, Mon – Sat until 8pm and 6pm on Sundays. Don’t miss our new monthly live music event on the last Thursday of every month, too. Entry is free.
• Find it on Olympic Way
Estadio Lounge
Make your Monday a little cheekier and get a free drink or Churros, Sticky Toffee Pudding or Brownie with any special, main or burger when ordered together from 5pm.
• Find it on Wembley Park Boulevard
Haute Dolci
Haute Dolci has launched a brand new menu item; our San Sebastián Cheesecake is a rich and sumptuous baked dessert with Haute Dolci’s signature warm chocolate sauce, available at Haute Dolci Wembley Park now.
• Find it on Wembley Park Boulevard
BOXPARK Wembley
We have been cooking up a storm to bring you the best lunchtime offers from our tasty traders, so say hello to the brand new Black Card LunchBOX. Enjoy a full lunchtime meal deal for just £10.
• Find it on Olympic Way
Pawesome News!
Did you know that all well-behaved dogs are welcome at London Designer Outlet on the mall space outside the stores across ground level and levels one and two?
Out of Office Coffee
We’ve got a new hands-on way to learn about making great coffee at home with online sessions teaching key technique demonstrations to brew café quality filter coffee from your kitchen.
• Find it on Union Park or Wembley Park Boulevard
You’ll find dog drinking stations located around the centre and if you need any emergency supplies, head to Guest Services (located next to Clarks Outlet) for biodegradable poo bags and dog biscuits. House rules do apply so please keep dogs on a lead at all times, do not leave them unattended, be considerate of other guests and remember to clean up after your dog.
04 — Retail 05 — Retail
Acceptance in store varies by store with some allowing assistance dogs only including guide dogs, hearing assistance dogs and some stores welcoming emotional support animals.
Thermomix
Island Poké
Haute Dolci
Estadio Lounge
Bread Ahead
Between work and catching up with friends and family, it can be hard to find time to keep fit. But staying in shape doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, you can fit it into your daily routine with these top tips from Laura Pelinski, founder of El Estudio Pilates Boutique, located on Weaver Walk.
A Taste o f Summe r
Health and Wellbeing
How to build exercise and wellness into your everyday routine
Eat well. Summer is great for enjoying seasonal produce. Try to focus on natural, unprocessed foods that are rich in fruit and vegetables. Baby carrots, chard, courgettes and summer squashes are ideal, with cherries, berries and rhubarb for a sweet treat. Swapping refined sugars for natural alternatives is also a great quick win.
Stay hydrated. Water is particularly important during the warmer months. All you have to do to benefit is drink more of it. Aim for at least two litres per day.
Incorporate exercise into your daily routine whenever possible. Need to pop to the shops or the letterbox? Then walk or cycle instead of driving. You can also take longer routes to bump up your step count. And always go for the stairs, not the lift. You could take a walk at lunchtime too, to rest your mind from your daily activities, enjoy some fresh air and push towards the recommended 10,000 steps per day. These seemingly small changes all add up.
Commit to at least two sessions per week for any new fitness activity. It will help you stay motivated and you’ll enjoy faster health benefits.
What to eat and where during the warmer months.
Warmer weather calls for lighter bites, cooling cocktails and dining al fresco. You can enjoy all of this and more in Wembley Park’s wealth of eateries.
This summer, if you’re looking for a taste of the sea, it doesn’t get better than Simone Remoli’s signature Fresh Lobster Spaghetti at Pasta Remoli Or if you’re out with friends, little beats picking at a British ‘Cobble Lane’ charcuterie or Greek mezze platter while sitting outside in the sunshine at The White Horse.
If you’re focusing on healthy food during the warmer weather, don’t miss the vegpacked Tempeh Katsu Salad at Wagamama or the colourful Mezze Salad Bowl that you can enjoy in the relaxed surroundings of Estadio Lounge.
To wash it all down, sip a cocktail al fresco at Estadio Lounge. Choose the Cherry Bakewell if you have a sweet tooth or the Grapefruit Margarita for something sharper. Black Sheep Coffee’s cocktails can also be enjoyed outdoors, while a Blissful Mango milkshake against the backdrop of the beautiful indoor cherry blossom at Haute Dolci is perfect for cooling down.
Try out El Estudio with their special introductory offer of £59, which includes a postural assessment and four invigorating classes.
Build exercise into your social life. You could go for a long evening walk while catching up with friends, join a class together or meet new people at a local fitness group.
Adopt a self-care mindset. Whether it’s affirmations, taking time to meditate or simply focusing on your breathing, take a positive, proactive attitude to wellness. Stick with it and you’ll soon feel it paying off.
Other must-have treats in Wembley Park over the summer months include bowls of fresh, healthy deliciousness at Island Poké, sushi and bubble tea at Mitsuryu, amazing falafel and fresh juices at Viva Falafel and the healthiest of berry bowls at Açaí Verāo, all at BOXPARK Wembley
Prefer to do things your own way? Then grab a picnic basket and head down to Bread Ahead to pack it full of freshly baked treats, pick up a coffee to go from Out of Office Coffee and spread it all out on a blanket in the sunshine in Union Park.
06 — Retail 07 — Retail Spotlight
on...
Açaí Verāo
Union Park
El Estudio
The White Horse Patio
Wembley Park ’ s Hidden Heroes
Behind the scenes in Wembley Park is a team of hard-working professionals without whom the neighbourhood wouldn’t have nearly so much shine: Wembley Park’s cleaning team.
Park Life talked to Carla Martins, who heads up the team, and supervisor William Kobenan, to find out what it takes to make an area the size of Wembley Park function as a major event destination, while also returning it overnight to the community neighbourhood that residents are used to enjoying.
How many people does it take to keep Wembley Park clean?
We have an on-site cleaning team of 15 on a normal day, which we increase to 23 on event days. The team covers all the external areas of the neighbourhood, including Union Park, along with the car parks and offices.
What does an average day entail?
Our cleaners start arriving from 5.30am, ready to be out in the neighbourhood by 6am. It’s important to get the office spaces and car parks clean before people arrive. We have staff working in shifts, so that there are cleaners onsite right up until 10pm.
During an average day, we keep pedestrian areas clean and tidy, pick up litter and empty bins, remove graffiti, clean up dog mess, deal with fly tipping, jet wash pavements, wash lampposts, clean handrails and more. There’s always plenty to do!
Every single day has its own reality. In addition to routine tasks, we flex our service and prioritise daily to meet the needs of the neighbourhood priorities.
What kind of things do you find left behind in Wembley Park?
We have found all sorts of things. We take items such as phones, chargers, bags and backpacks to Guest Services within London Designer Outlet, in the hope that they can be reunited with those who have lost them. We let the security team know too, in case people ask about items they have dropped or left behind.
We also clear up larger objects, everything from broken microwaves to shopping trolleys. Probably the most unusual thing we found was a bathtub in Union Park! We also found gym equipment discarded outside one of the residential buildings.
What is the biggest challenge you face?
The weather! Come rain or shine, our team is about in the neighbourhood keeping it spick and span. Summertime tends to be our busiest time of year, as so many people are out and about enjoying themselves. It’s the best weather but the most challenging season.
Event days can also pose particular challenges, due to the sheer volume of people. That’s why we expand our team to keep everything looking immaculate. We have extra cleaners along Olympic Way and in other busy locations. We spend much of those days emptying bins; the volume of rubbish is so large on event days that we have a skip on-site.
Some concerts also have unique challenges. A Harry Styles concert, for example, means having to clear up a LOT of feathers – they blow everywhere. But the team always has a smile, no matter what the day presents.
On match days, we also have the fun of clearing up after police horses – there’s a lot of pavement-washing on those days!
How can residents and visitors help keep Wembley Park clean and tidy?
Clearing up after dogs is probably the top thing! Thankfully, most of those who spend time here are respectful of the importance of keeping things tidy – of leaving the neighbourhood as they would like to find it, for everyone to enjoy.
To report an issue to Wembley Park’s cleaning team, please email: FMSupport@wembleypark.com
09 — Community
08 — Community
Carla Martins and William Kobenan
Celebrating those who make the neighbourhood special
The Wembley Park Cleaning Team
The Great Outdoors
The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and London’s parks are at their most inviting. Locally, Union Park and Elvin Gardens provide plenty of greenery for residents to enjoy, but there’s also lots to discover in the surrounding area.
A picnic overlooking the waters of the Brent Reservoir (known as the Welsh Harp) is a must during the summer months. Enjoy a stroll through the wetlands as you admire the reservoir’s population of great crested grebes, all just 10 minutes by car, 14 minutes by bike or 35 minutes on foot from Wembley Park.
Following the river as it winds through Brent River Park, just a 13-minute drive away, is another lovely way to spend a lazy afternoon enjoying the sunshine. You can follow the London Walking Forum’s ‘capital ring route’ through the park or simply explore the landscaped sections and semi-natural areas at your leisure. There are also golf courses, cycle paths and other sporting facilities for those looking to stay active over the summer.
Sherrins Farm Park just an 18-minute stroll or sevenminute bike ride from Wembley Park, is another great spot for keeping fit outdoors, with space for basketball and five-a-side football, along with grassland for games and relaxation.
For family days in the sun, King Edward VII Park is a beautiful spot just a three-minute drive/15minute walk or a seven-minute ride from Wembley Park. Visitors can simply enjoy the parkland, use the outdoor gym or book a range of sports courts, from tennis and bowls to Gaelic football.
The recreation ground at One Tree Hill and the parkland of Horsenden Hill are two further options for Wembley Park residents who want to spend time tuning into nature and enjoying some fresh air this summer.
Finally, for the hottest of hot days, there are the fountains in Arena Square to cool you down when you get home to Wembley Park. Will you dare to splash through the water to cool off?
Heart of the Community
Dee Qadir, Community Engagement Assistant Manager at Wembley Park’s community hub, The Yellow, explains why community spaces are so important.
Learn, dance, draw, get fit, knit, relax… whatever you’re into, you can do it with kindred spirits at The Yellow. The community hub provides a huge range of classes, events and clubs, catering to all ages and interests, many of them for free. Open to all, it has become the heart of the Wembley Park neighbourhood. We caught up with The Yellow’s Dee Qadir to find out more.
What is the focus of events at The Yellow?
It’s very balanced. We have events for children with special educational needs, for pensioners, for babies… everyone! Much of the programme is driven by local residents’ passion.
Our parent and baby yoga class, ballet fitness and SOS dance classes, for example, have all been suggested and are run by Wembley Park residents.
Fitness and mental wellbeing are key themes. Many people are under pressure in the current climate. The Yellow encourages people to connect, open up and share. It’s the heart of the local community.
What are the most popular events?
Our supper clubs are always so much fun. Our movie nights are too. They both attract a lot of interest. Brent Youth Theatre also runs some incredible sessions – their springtime concert was hugely popular.
The Meditation, Yoga and Breathing class also has a loyal following. The yoga guru Umesh runs the class to give back to his community and his Monday class is an amazing way to start your week.
We hire out The Yellow too, so people can hold workshops, community events and more here. It’s a fabulous space that meets so many needs. Come along and find out!
Did you know? The Yellow regularly hosts local community podcasts, including recent discussions with Brent and Harrow London Assembly Member Krupesh Hirani, writer and historian Nadia Khan, An-Nisa Society founder Humera Khan and Daniel’s Den founder and coordinator Jo Gordon. Listen out for new episodes at wembleypark.com/theyellow.
10 — Community
The best green spaces to enjoy in and around Wembley Park
Dee Qadir and Ash Patel
11 — Community
Welsh Harp
“The Yellow is a community within a community. I ’ m honoured to be part of the whole journey and process.”
What ’ s On in Wembley Park
Summer of PLAY
We have launched our Summer of Play 2023 programme. Packed with a diverse range of free events, including live music, dance, circus skills, urban sports, and arts and crafts, the programme will run until the end of September, offering an unforgettable summer experience.
All events included in the Summer of Play programme are free to attend and do not require tickets, just check out wembleypark. com/summer for the latest listings. wembleypark.com/summer
May
Sky Bet Championship
Play-Off Finals
27 – 29 May
Wembley Stadium
Gurdas Maan
28 May
OVO Arena Wembley
Laugh in the Box
31 May
Join BBC Radio presenter Aurie Styla for a night of free comedy, games, prizes and great food.
BOXPARK Wembley
June
Thursdays – Sundays all summer
Wembley Park Live
Find live music every weekend with the hottest up and coming solo and duo acts.
The Emirates FA Cup Final
3 June
Wembley Stadium
The Kids’ Table
4 June
Get your little ’uns designing and making with arts, crafts, and creative table top fun.
July
Def Leppard & Mötley Crüe: The World Tour
1 July
Wembley Stadium
Live at Wembley Park Theatre with Phil Wang
1 July
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
Brent Music Service
Summer Concert
2 July
The Undercroft
Play Days
2, 29, 30 July
Wembley Park Farmers’ Market
22 July
Market Square
Wembley Park Antiques Market
26 July
Green Parking
Summer of Play presents:
Arts & Crafts Day
29 July
Get crafty with an all-day artstravaganza.
Samovar Space wembleypark.com/arts
Feria De Londres
29, 30 July
Summer of Play presents:
Traceworks
20 August
Explore your creativity and learn exciting new choreography with all day performances and workshops.
Samovar Space
wembleypark.com/traceworks
Wembley Park Farmers Market
22 July
Market Square
AEW: All In London at Wembley Stadium
27 August
Wembley Stadium
12pm–4pm
BOXPARK Wembley
Summer of Play presents: Boards, Beats & Bikes
4 June
Learn to beatbox or roll up your sleeves and participate in street arts.
Samovar Space wembleypark.com/urbansports
Capital s Summertime
Ball with Barclaycard
11 June
Wembley Stadium
Harry Styles Love on Tour 2023
13, 14, 16, 17 June
Wembley Stadium
OneRepublic
14 June
OVO Arena Wembley Pet Shop Boys
17 June
OVO Arena Wembley
Summer of Play presents: Tish & The Circus Bus
18 June
Bring the whole family and learn some kid friendly circus skills with expert leader Tish.
Samovar Space wembleypark.com/circus
Post Work Pop Party
22 June
Hit the floor and belt your heart out with top 40 classics, 2-4-1 cocktails from 5–7pm.
BOXPARK Wembley
Wembley Park Farmers’ Market
24 June
Find fresh local produce and artisanal goods every month. Market Square
Wembley Park Antiques Market
28 June
Green Parking turns into a retro dream, bringing the most exciting antique traders under one roof.
8am–4pm
Green Parking
Summer of Play presents
Shubbak Festival’s “Taroo”
30 June
A Parkour and circus comedy show telling stories from streets all over the world with a fusion of acrobatics, Chinese pole and urban street moves.
Samovar Space, Olympic Way
Test your skills as Olympic Way’s digital screens become playable outdoor games.
Olympic Way
Blur
8, 9 July
Wembley Stadium
Big Fat Quizbox
11 July
A weekly dose of trivia, silliness and prizes with DJ Reno at the helm.
BOXPARK Wembley
Summer of Play presents:
Rambert Dance Day
16 July
World-famous dance company, Rambert, brings simple and fun choreography with 6 routines to learn throughout the day.
Samovar Space
wembleypark.com/rambert
London's biggest Spanish festival takes over the neighbourhood with music, food, and flair.
Market Square, Arena Square
August
Play Days
5, 6 August
Olympic Way
Summer of Play presents: Dancetronauts
5 August
Join in the fun with this guerilla theatre pop-up, with crowd pleasing antics and participatory dance.
Samovar Space wembleypark.com/dancetronauts
The Weeknd
18 August
Wembley Stadium
Wembley Park Antiques Market
30 August
Green Parking
September
Wemba’s Dream
3 September Green Parking
Bring Your Own Bars
4 September
BOXPARK Wembley
Crazy Thursday: International Party
14 September
Brazilian Events UK and The Latin Society team up to bring the best Latin DJs in London.
BOXPARK Wembley
Ehrlich Brothers
30 September
OVO Arena Wembley
Wemba’s Dream: Join the Journey
3 September
wembleypark.com/wemba
Experience the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra live in a free, one-of-a-kind audiovisual experience in Wembley Park. Pairing an orchestra with spoken word, contemporary music and exhilarating dance, Wemba's Dream: Join the Journey brings together the best of Brent through a unique sensory performance.
12 — What ’ s On
13 — What ’ s On
TV producer and editor Ben Richards, his wife Charlotte and their French Bulldog Dave have lived in Wembley Park since 2015. They purchased a one-bedroom apartment in the vibrant Williamson Heights building in 2020.
A Day in the Life of...
What do you like about Wembley Park?
The neighbourhood feels so safe and secure, from the moment you step out of the station. There’s a lovely community vibe and we’re so close to central London. The transport links are so fast – that’s a big plus for us. We love the variety of events and the people-watching as well. There’s always something different to see and do.
What led you to buy a home in Wembley Park?
We were renting in Wembley Park and walked past Williamson Heights daily – we watched it being built. We were supposed to be getting married in 2020, but our wedding was postponed due to the pandemic so we decided to buy a home instead, through the Help to Buy scheme. Our apartment is amazing and there’s a lovely rooftop garden. The views stretch from Harrow on the Hill and the reservoir all the way to central London and beyond to the Crystal Palace Tower.
What does your typical day involve?
I work in central London two days a week and from home the rest of the time. It’s brilliant being able to get to work in under 30 minutes from Wembley Stadium station. When home-based, I head to Out of Office Coffee for a caffeine fix – it’s a hidden gem that more people should discover with spaces and WiFi to allow you to work too.
A typical day involves taking Dave for quiet walks around Wembley Stadium and the residential roads. We like taking him to Union Park too. We also use the park for picnics and meeting friends.
I grab lunch from Amazon Fresh (the Just Walk Out tech is still a novelty) while dinner at Masalchi gives us our fix of Asian flavours. On days off, we like to browse London Designer Outlet; Charlotte is a big fan of the new Cosmetics Company Store. The cinema is great too. It’s brilliant having everything on our doorstep – and seeing the neighbourhood’s continuing transformation.
Just off Exhibition Way, nestled behind Quintain Living’s Landsby building, Weaver Walk is home to everything you need to nourish your mind, body and soul. And even your bicycle.
For relaxation, Urban Rose is the place to start. You can enjoy a range of luxury treatments with a glass of bubbly. From massages to HydraFacials, you can indulge in a spot of pampering and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
To nourish your spirit, pop along to More Yoga. With friendly instructors and a welcoming atmosphere for yoga enthusiasts of all levels, More Yoga classes are the ideal way to find inner peace.
If it’s a new look you’re after, Weaver Walk is the place to be. For stylish glasses and affordable contacts, there’s Specsavers, which offers a free eye test when you sign up to the One Wembley Park rewards programme.
Chop Chop meanwhile, delivers gender and texture neutral hair salon experiences. Whether you’re
looking for a dramatic new look or just a neater, tidier version of your existing do, the team will provide a luxurious treat, minus the pretentious price tag.
For keeping your body in shape Pilates classes at El Estudio offer a great balance between physical conditioning and boosting your health.
Just around the corner, The Yellow hosts a variety of fitnessfocused events, from dance classes to yoga.
You can even take your bicycle along to Weaver Walk for some TLC. With a workshop, bike fitting service and education space, Fix Your Cycle does precisely that.
Finally, if it’s your dog's wellness that you’re focused on, head over to Hudson Walk, next to Canada Gardens to visit the Cuddle Club This canine spa provides grooming and wellbeing treatments, plus doggy day-care and regular events for pets and owners.
Time to put wellness first!
14 — People of Wembley Park
Ben Richards
Wellness
Weaver Walk
15 — Community
Weaver Walk
What makes the Stadium so special?
It has been the focal point of English football history for a century, and for other sport and music events that are now etched into our heritage.
Footballers want to play here, bands want to perform here and fans want to visit – because Wembley is the place where big moments happen.
I stood in the pit as they walked on. The crowd erupted. It gave me a feeling that I wanted more of.
Tell us a little-known fact about Wembley Stadium.
You’ll never get caught short at Wembley. The stadium holds the world record for the most toilets in one venue: 2,618!
1922–23
1980s
All the biggest stars of the 1980s perform at Wembley Stadium, including Michael Jackson and Madonna.
Director Liam Boylan reveals what makes Wembley such a special venue
Stadium
Wembley Stadium celebrates its centenary this year. What have been the biggest changes to the Stadium and the Wembley Park neighbourhood, over the past century?
The biggest change, of course, is that we have a completely new stadium to the original. Iconic though the original was, a new millennium needed a modern national stadium. The new Wembley is better for players, performers, fans and guests. It is more welcoming and inclusive.
Wembley Park has also changed dramatically over the last 10–15 years. The area suits modern needs, with a real community spirit.
Looking forward, we will continue to develop both the customer experience and the mix of events.
What does the role of Stadium Director entail?
It involves managing the running of the stadium 365 days of the year.
Many people think Wembley is only used a few times a year for football matches and concerts, but there is something going on here every single day.
Our security, safety, maintenance, hospitality, IT, marketing and other teams work year-round to ensure the 2.5 million people who come through our doors annually have a safe and enjoyable time.
What is your favourite memory of Wembley?
The first concert that I organised there: the Foo Fighters in 2008. The band were incredibly excited. Dave Grohl said, “It’s so big, it’s an illusion.”
How will you mark the centenary?
April 28th was the 100th anniversary of the first Wembley FA Cup Final. We collected people’s magical memories of Wembley Stadium online and had activities and community events on that day including free tours of the Stadium. The celebrations will continue throughout the year.
Could you share any facts / things that most people don’t know about the Stadium?
You will never get caught short at Wembley. The stadium holds the world record for the most toilets in one venue with a total of 2,618.
Also, one lap of the stadium concourse is equal to 1KM. I know this because I will be joining around 50 Wembley and The FA employees for a charity walk around the stadium in early May. We will be doing 100 laps for 100 years. It will take around 24 hours to complete and involve a lot of sore feet.
The new Empire Stadium (later to become Wembley Stadium) was opened by King George V for the 1923 FA Cup Final. Its famous twin towers became symbols of the nation’s aim to turn outwards and welcome the world.
1948
Wembley hosts the 1948 Summer Olympics, also known as the ‘Austerity Games’, with the Empire Stadium holding athletics, equestrian (team jumping), field hockey (medal matches) and football (medal matches) events.
1996
Wembley Stadium hosts UEFA EURO 1996 and Paul Gascoigne “Gazza” scored an amazing goal which became part of football folklore.
2007
The old stadium was demolished in 2003 and reopened with a new landmark arch and capacity for 90,000 spectators in 2007.
2020–2021
Quintain completes the major upgrade to Olympic Way and, together with London Borough of Brent, delivers the Olympic Steps. Wembley welcomes the postponed UEFA Euro 2020 in Summer 2021.
1966
England’s football team, captained by Bobby Moore, wins the World Cup at the National Stadium, a high point of English sporting history.
1985
Live Aid, one of the largest ever live global satellite broadcasts of all time, is watched by 72,000 spectators inside Wembley Stadium, and reaches an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion across 150 nations, raising £150 million for famine relief.
2022
On 31 July 2022 football finally came home when the Lionesses won the Women’s UEFA EURO Final at Wembley.
#Wembley100 16 — Our Heritage
17 — Our Heritage
Lian Boylan
WEMBLEY
Current Offers
Calvin Klein – 10% off
Bread Ahead – 10% off Baking Courses
Franke and Benny's – 30% off Mains
Lee & Wrangler – 15% off Lee & Wrangler's new collection
Lyle & Scott – 10% off
Masalchi – 10% off bill (excludes event days and special menus)
Police – 10% off
Superdry – 10% off
Bread Ahead – 10% off baking courses
Frankie & Benny's – 30% off mains
*Make sure to check out the app for expiry dates and to explore the other amazing offers available. Happy browsing!
Exclusive events and discounts await!
If you live, work or spend your leisure time in Wembley Park, then you have the chance to get more. Much more. With the One Wembley Park rewards scheme, you can enjoy early sale access, exclusive VIP events, rewards and discounts on top of already fantastic prices.
The One Wembley Park app builds up your rewards every time you make a purchase at a retailer or restaurant in London Designer Outlet and participating venues in the wider Wembley Park neighbourhood. You simply enjoy a shopping spree or a night out as normal, scanning the app as you go, in order to get closer to earning rewards.
Are You Winning with ONE One Wembley Park App
Available to iPhone and Android users, the One Wembley Park app lets you work your way up through four different tiers, earning bigger and better rewards the more you spend. Once you’ve clocked up one or more rewards, all you need to do is show your phone to a participating retailer of your choice in order to redeem them.
From free classes to discounts at your favourite independent eateries, along with regular competitions and prize draws, you can enjoy more for less with One Wembley Park.
Disney ’ s NEWSIES at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre has captivated audiences with its compelling storyline that strikes a chord with modern viewers. The production ’ s mesmerising dance routines, which earned an Olivier Award for Best Choreography, have been an integral part of its success. With the Broadway production receiving an impressive eight Tony Award nominations and two wins for Best Choreography and Best Original Score, NEWSIES has unquestionably become a modern-day smash hit. Ryan Kopel, who plays Davey, opened up to Park Life about the show.
Newsies tells the true story of the 1899 New York newsboys’ strike. It’s based on the Disney film from 1992, starring Christian Bale, called The News Boys here in the UK. The show came to Broadway in 2012, but this is the first time Newsies has come to the stage in the UK.
Why is Newsies relevant today?
With so many strikes now taking place, the show is incredibly relevant. Its themes of unity and standing together are striking a major chord with audiences.
Newsies has been extended twice, now running to July 2023.
What makes it so successful?
UK Newsies fans have waited so long – there’s been real anticipation. The show has a powerful dance element. The time and effort that went into the music, choreography and direction is superb. Every move and detail maps to every beat, with so much intention and thought behind it. The talent of the dancers and the way they move their bodies to tell the story is incredible.
How do you feel “playing Wembley”?
I love Wembley Park. It’s a great place to work and enjoy. This is a highlight of my career; I really like playing Davey – he’s a great character, from his story to his accent. I play a scene from Funny Girl featuring Barbara Streisand before each show to channel her superfast-talking New York accent!
Newsies is on at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre until 30th July 2023 with tickets from £25.
Ryan
Behind the Scenes with Newsies' Ryan Kopel PARK ? 18 — Retail
Kopel and Cast Members
19 — Behind the Scenes
Musical star lets Park Life readers peek behind the curtain
Can you give a quick history of the show?
New homes, shops, eateries and leisure venues continue to spring up around Wembley Park as part of Quintain’s 20-year construction masterplan. Here are the latest exciting developments.
Construction Updates
North East Lands (NE02/3)
Work is also well underway on the residential developments known as NE02 and NE03 at North East Lands. The buildings will be home to 769 apartments in total, 74% of which will be Build to Rent homes, with over 100 designated as mixed tenure affordable homes.
North East Lands (NE01)
Demolition works were completed earlier this year and main works have now commenced at the student accommodation project at North East Lands, now acquired by Greystar.
The 20-storey building, which is due to be completed by Greystar in summer 2025, will provide high-quality student housing at the junction of Fulton Road and Rutherford Way.
The building frames and lift/stair cores are already under construction. While that work has been taking place, the precast concrete façade panels have been constructed off-site, with the first panels already installed.
The bathroom pods for NE02 and NE03 are also being constructed off-site, with the first pod due for delivery in the second quarter of 2023. During the third quarter of the year, site welfare offices will be completed adjacent to Fulton Road.
These will be the first buildings delivered at North East Lands, with completion due in early 2025. They will add to the more than 3,650 apartments already managed in Wembley Park by Quintain Living.
Repton Gardens
Repton Gardens, Quintain Living’s most sustainable development to date, is now complete. Comprising 396 studios to four-bedroom homes designed for families and sharers, the development is set across three buildings connected by shared social spaces and a large podium garden.
If you have any questions, please contact development@wembleypark.com
20 — Construction
21 — Construction A rendering of Repton Gardens
Repton Gardens North East Lands
With pedestrianised boulevards, wide roads, bus routes and three stations, Wembley Park is ideal for sustainable travel. Park Life chatted to Ahmed Ahmed, Wembley Park Transport and Travel Coordinator, to find out about the neighbourhood’s Strategic Travel Plan.
Embracing SustainableTravel
What is the Strategic Travel Plan?
It’s our way of aligning with the Mayor of London’s vision to get people travelling more sustainably. We have objectives to get those visiting, working and living in Wembley Park using sustainable modes of travel.
Presumably cycling plays a big role?
Absolutely. We have a very active cycling community. There are 400+ cycle spaces in the public realm and almost 7,000 resident cycle spaces.
We held a cycling awareness event last year, working with a local school to provide cycling awareness training for nearly
Park
70 children, including some who had never cycled before. The joy on their faces was indescribable.
Independent retailer Fix Your Cycle on Weaver Walk also runs quarterly DIY training sessions on bike repairs for all Wembley Park residents and employees.
This year is the 100th annual Bike Week (5–11th June), so we have more cycling events planned, including Bike Festivals on 11th and 12th June and children’s events.
What about public transport?
Wembley Stadium and Wembley Central mainline stations, plus Wembley Park underground station are within
walking distance, so there’s no excuse for driving! We are well connected in terms of bus routes and are close to the Cycle Superhighway.
For those who need to drive, Wembley Park has plenty of electric vehicle charging units. We offer 25% off charging for residents with electric vehicles who have monthly parking contracts. Plus two years’ free Zipcar membership with £25 driving credit to reduce car ownership.
Any tips for people wanting to travel sustainably?
Meet via video call to cut out journeys. And walk wherever you can!
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