Why QPR will benefit in the long-run from new stadium proposal

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Queens Park Rangers have unveiled plans to move into a new 45,000 capacity stadium.

It is no secret that Queens Park Rangers are looking to move on from Loftus Road, and plans have recently been submitted to the Hammersmith & Fulham council about moving into the old Linford Christie Stadium.

According to the Daily Mail, the Championship side are looking to develop the site into a 45,000 all-seater stadium, complete with a retractable and high-tech roof which enables the pitch to elevate during non-sporting events.

The project itself would cost £425 million as part of the council’s redevelopment process, but how beneficial would it be for QPR if they did actually make the switch?

Currently, there are plans to convert the site into either a 35,000, 42,000 or 45,000-seater stadium with top of the range facilities to go alongside it. All sounds good and well, but a major drawback stems from the fact Rangers will lease the stadium over a long-term period, which will certainly raise a question or two.

It is also unclear – and somewhat unlikely currently – that the R’s would actually fill up the stadium on a weekly basis but, being based in London, will draw a new clientele of fans as well as hardcore supporters. But still, it is something that needs to be covered in more detail.

Ultimately, it is the right time for the Hoops to wave goodbye to Loftus Road but the move has to be right and in-line of current location, something the proposed new site offers.

QPR’s relationship with the local council has been soured somewhat in recent times with a lot of debate surrounding the proposed move but, whatever happens, Rangers must make sure the move is right for them in the long-run.

The local communities would certainly benefit moving forward, with a reported £41 million coming in each year if the move did happen. It would also provide QPR an outlet to grow as a club and ultimately suit them perfectly if a return to the Premier League can come to fruition.