Today, Wembley Park, one of Europe’s largest and most exciting urban regeneration projects, unveils a new milestone in developer Quintain’s major transformation of the iconic Olympic Way. The former ramps (commonly known as the pedway) that led to the Stadium concourse become the Olympic Steps and new public space is being unveiled, as the final touches are made to the completed steps.
Ten years in the making, the Olympic Steps project is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition for Quintain and Brent to replace the 1970s pedway that previously divided the east and west of the neighbourhood, with a new elegant entrance to the stadium and public space. The old pedway was constructed in the 1970’s to provide pedestrian access to the stadium over an old coach park, that no longer exists.
The Olympic Steps mark the final addition to Quintain’s major upgrade of Olympic Way and will deliver over 12,000 sqm of new, public space that will give visitors and residents a new area in the heart of Wembley Park, in which to enjoy the vibrant neighbourhood. The Steps, along with the wider works to Olympic Way, form an integral part of the significant transformation of Wembley Park from a place once only suitable for event days, into an exciting, 365-day creative district with a thriving local community.
The Olympic Steps are located at the southern end of Olympic Way, which runs from Wembley Park underground station to Wembley Stadium, and takes its name from the London 1948 Summer Olympics, which were held at the Empire Stadium and Empire Pool, which is now The SSE Arena, Wembley. Olympic Way has seen a major overhaul in recent years to Quintain’s new design, including repaving, a 50% widening, the addition of a curated retail offering, the addition of ceremonial banners and an award-winning tree planting strategy.
In keeping with the ’48’ theme that celebrates the rich sporting and entertainment heritage of the area, the team at Wembley Park has thoughtfully selected 48 trees, planted in pairs along Olympic Way and representing all temperate zones of the world, creating an ‘Avenue of Champion Trees’. The public realm surrounding the Olympic Steps will soon see the final trees of this collection planted.
The introduction of the new steps will dramatically enhance the experience for Wembley Park’s residents, workers and visitors throughout the year. Once complete, the Olympic Steps and the public realm immediately surrounding them will provide the location for an array of benefits for Wembley Park’s local community, including an increased programme of free events that enliven the neighbourhood throughout the year. In addition, a vast, sheltered undercroft area below the Olympic Steps landing will be bathed in natural light through 36 giant pavement lights and provide new space to host public events, such as covered markets and live performances. From the community parades of Light Up The Night, to the winter lights festival Winterfest and celebrity performances of The Mayor of London’s International Busking Day, Olympic Way has played host to some of Wembley Park’s most exciting and inclusive free events. The Olympic Steps will expand and enhance this public space, allowing for more memorable moments to take place in the heart of Wembley Park.
The Olympic Steps, which have been co-funded by Quintain and Brent, form part of a long-standing ambition by the parties to improve the area, whilst enhancing accessibility for all visitors to the National Stadium. In addition to the steps, 4 new high-capacity lifts have added from the street level to the stadium concourse.
Julian Tollast, Head of Masterplanning and Design at Quintain, says: “The development of the Olympic Steps is a significant milestone in the transformation of Wembley Park. The old, outdated pedway represented the area’s stark, ’70s concrete past. Now, the new Olympic Steps will serve the community in ways that were not previously possible; the space will provide a location for everyone to sit, relax, and socialise, all whilst soaking in the atmosphere of the iconic destination. Guests will also enjoy live music, community events, markets, and great food and drink in this new, cultural pocket of Wembley Park.”
Liam Boylan, Wembley Stadium Director, said: “We are delighted to have worked closely with Quintain and Brent Council on the transformation of the entrance to our iconic venue. The Olympic Steps and surrounding public space provide a distinctive and inviting approach to Wembley Stadium, whilst four new lift shafts ensure that our venue remains fully accessible. These plans are more than a decade in the making, and we’re so pleased with the outcome. We’re looking forward to being able to welcome fans back to Wembley Park to experience and enjoy the Olympic Steps themselves in the near future.”
