A report prepared for the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust about #LinfordChristieStadium makes interesting reading for #QPR fans keen for the club to stay in #W12 and @lbhf. 1/

The link is here http://democracy.lbhf.gov.uk/documents/s114607/Linford%20Christie%20Report.pdf 2/

It starts by summing up the problem: LCS is an ‘aging facility and does not meet the requirements of its tenants or of other users.’ In its poor state it also costs the council approx £300k a year, which they can’t afford. 3/

Good news for @TVH_Athletics and residents of @lbhf: the do-nothing option has been ruled out. The report recommends ‘redevelopment of the site to produce replacement community facilities funded through disposal of the Stadium site on a long lease for enabling development.’ 4/

‘Prospective partners would be encouraged to come forward with their own proposals (be they in line with the options considered in greatest detail in this report) for the Stadium site, that deliver on the community, sporting, social and financial requirements of the Trust.’ 5/

Having decided to do something with a development partner, who would that partner be? There are three options:

1.Athletics & sports centre including pitch hub
2.Athletics and major indoor arena
3.Athletics and professional sport stadium 6/

1 would be Imperial College.

2 could be any number of arena operators like those that run the O2.

3 is #QPR and @QPRtrust. /7

There’s a ref to 80pc support for a ‘large scale intervention.’ That was the QPR fans and supportive local residents and other community orgs who responded to the public consultation. People power will be a significant factor in what happens (look at other new stadiums) /8

It notes that ‘there is a clear strategic case and significant public support, for making a major intervention at the Stadium.’ There is no mention that the public support would likely evaporate for a non-QPR scheme, but they will know that from the consultation results. 9/

There is also recognition of our need to move: ‘QPR have a specific strategic need for a new stadium in their current catchment area and as a major professional club require a new long-term home to enable them to be sustainable as a business.’ 10/

2 and 3 would generate more financial benefit than 1, with 2 generating more than 3. Money is not the only factor though. Would a new 02 arena in that location benefit the area in the way keeping @QPR and @qprtrust in W12 would? 11/

If money alone was the consideration, then an events venue would win over a stadium every time, because it can be used much more often so generates more revenue. But it looks like they will consider wider issues too 12/

The report is very encouraging for #QPR fans because it shows (a) the council wants to do something at LCS (b) QPR is a contender (c) money is not the only consideration and (d) they acknowledge that we NEED to find a new home. 13/

As #QPR fans we will need to be vigilant though. Remember this is our last realistic chance to stay in W12 long term. If a non-QPR option is chosen, that will ultimately very likely spell the end of the club and @qprtrust in the area. 14/

We need to continue to make our voices heard in the process so that the decisionmakers understand the implications of whatever outcome they decide https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/qpr/qpr-hopes-linford-christie-stadium-move-boosted-81-per-cent-back-plan-public-consultation-a4174496.html 15/

A possible outcome not mentioned is combining the options. Is there one, for example, that keeps @QPR and @qprtrust in W12, could accommodate some university use but also include a venue (would have to be much smaller than the 02)? 16/

p.s. A footnote to this thread, which is that two leading members of Friends of Wormwood Scrubs, who vigorously oppose QPR, are on the body deciding our fate. They don’t have voting rights, but are hardly impartial observers when they are simultaneously campaigning against QPR...

If the Trust wants to minimise the risk of legal challenge, they would be well-advised to ensure their governance is above board. Maybe get some QPR people on there as well to ensure it’s a fair process?