QPR stadium plans dealt blow as Cargiant refuse to enter future talks over Old Oak site
The former sponsors of the Premier League club are seeking to scupper QPR's plans for a new stadium even though their managing director is a club season-ticket holder
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.QPR face growing opposition to their new stadium bid with current landowner Cargiant claiming they "will not enter into any future talks with the club".
The former QPR sponsors hold a 30-acre plot on the Old Oak site where the west London club hope to build a new 40,000-seater stadium.
Rangers have support from all the major bodies required to build the new ground as soon as 2018, but Cargiant is seeking to scupper their plans.
Cargiant managing director Tony Mendes is a QPR season-ticket holder, but the company has released a statement denying discussing selling the company's land with the club.
"We are very surprised by QPR's PR campaign regarding a proposed new stadium in Old Oak Common and in particular on land owned by Cargiant," the statement read.
"The company are not in negotiations with QPR and will not enter into any future talks with the club.
"The company will announce in due course details of its own scheme for the regeneration of its land holdings that will incorporate the residential units, jobs and community facilities that the GLA detailed in their vision for the regeneration for the area.
"Cargiant's commercial arm of the business views this opportunity as a long-term investment opportunity."
Cargiant bosses rejected the notion of QPR obtaining a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), a legal function which allows bodies to claim land without the owner's consent if considered in the public interest.
QPR could seek council backing to obtain such an order against Cargiant, but the company remain unfazed by the prospect.
"In regards to the threat of CPO, there is no legal basis on which to serve a CPO on Cargiant. We are a willing developer," the statement continued.
"This is also not a 'tool' to increase the land value to QPR or anyone else. If the company wanted to pursue this route, it would be talking to other developers, which we are not.
"We are fully committed to regenerate our land. We have the funding and the professionals in place to do it."
Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes released a statement in December detailing the club's new stadium plans.
The New Queens Park project has Greater London Authority, Network Rail and Genesis Housing Group backing.
The club aim to regenerate the area along with their proposed move from Loftus Road, pledging to build 24,000 new homes and create 55,000 jobs.
QPR were unavailable for comment, but the Press Association understands club bosses remain confident they will be able to press ahead with plans.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments