Boleyn Ground demolition day

The demolition of the Boleyn Ground is scheduled to begin today.

West Ham’s former stadium was initially purchased by Gallaird homes from West Ham for a reported £38m but it was later sold on to residential property developers Barratt London last month.

Those hoping for a quick death  of the stadium will be disappointed as the demolition is likely to drag on for weeks if not months to fully complete. Once the stadium is razed to the ground Barratt London will then start building the 842 new homes in Green Street.

In a press release Barrett’s finance director Tom Olsen said: “The entire team involved in redeveloping Upton Park recognises the heritage embedded here”

The Boleyn development will include a mix of 842 one, two, three and four bedroom properties and incorporates 211 affordable homes including 125 at affordable rent and 84 available for shared ownership.

Despite strong objection from some Upton Park residents and community and charitable groups over lack of affordable housing in Newham, planning permission was approved in March this year.