Leyton Orient are aiming high! The League One club has announced ambitious plans to build a brand-new, "world-class" stadium as part of a larger multi-sport campus in East London. This isn't just about football; the club envisions a "zero carbon, energy efficient" development that benefits the entire community.
A Stadium Fit for the Championship?
The new stadium is designed with Leyton Orient's future aspirations in mind. The club hopes the increased capacity will support their ambitions to compete in the Championship. Currently, their home at Brisbane Road holds 9,271 fans, a stadium they've called home since 1937. But the club recognises that expanding the current site is simply not feasible.
CEO Mark Devlin explained that while minor expansions were considered, reaching the capacity needed for their goals was impossible at Brisbane Road. "It was clear that to achieve our aspirations, we couldn't achieve it, sadly, on the current site," he stated.
Staying Local is Key
Crucially, Leyton Orient wants to remain in the Leyton area. They've signed a memorandum of understanding with the London Borough of Waltham Forest, signaling a strong partnership. Devlin emphasized the positive talks with the council, stating, "They've made it very clear they would like us to stay in the borough."
Majority owner David Gandler echoes this sentiment, stating, "We want to stay in Waltham Forest, ideally in Leyton. That’s the premise of our relationship."
More Than Just Football: A Community Hub
Gandler envisions a technologically advanced, multi-purpose stadium that can host a variety of events. He aims to attract one million people through the gates every year. The project is also expected to create over 1,500 new jobs and unlock Brisbane Road for new housing developments.
Sustainability is also a core focus of the project. The club emphasizes their commitment to building upon their history and serving as a "beacon of hope" in the local community.
What's Next?
While potential sites have been identified, no official announcements have been made. The club plans to engage with fans before finalizing the stadium's size and features. This exciting project promises a bright future for Leyton Orient and the surrounding community!