Quintain’s Temporary 5-a-Side Pitches Plan for Wembley Housing Site

Key Points

• Quintain, a major landowner in Wembley Park, has submitted plans to Brent Council for temporary use of three plots of land at the junction of Fulton Road, First Way, and Engineers Way, previously known as the Yellow Car Park.
• The site is earmarked for long-term residential development, with up to 8,500 new homes planned across 8.8 million square feet, of which over 4,700 have already been completed since regeneration began in 2004.
• Proposed temporary facilities include five all-weather 5-a-side football pitches, a pavilion with reception, changing rooms, and toilets on Plot 1, and a 12m high demountable indoor events venue on Plot 2.
• The outdoor sports facility on Plot 1 features floodlit pitches measuring 30m by 20m, enclosed by 1.2m high rebound boards, 5m high soft-barrier netting, roof netting, and 8m high floodlight columns; it would operate from 8am to 10pm daily.
• Plot 2 would host an immersive, family-friendly exhibition with interactive and static displays, food and beverage outlets, retail spaces, and toilets, operating from 8am to 9pm (public access from 9am), with staggered arrivals of up to 200 visitors every 30 minutes and an average stay of 70 minutes.
• The temporary permission sought is for three years, but a break clause in the lease could limit use to one year.
• Developers argue the plans will complement Wembley attractions and existing ‘meanwhile uses’ like Bubble Planet on Fulton Road, a multi-sensory exhibition with 11 themed rooms, giant bubbles, balloon pits, and VR technology.
• Due to future housing plans, no significant changes to the site frontage are possible.
• Brent Council’s Planning Committee is scheduled to review the application on February 11, 2026.

Wembley, Brent – (North London News) February 6, 2026
(North London News) February 6, 2026 – Developers Quintain have lodged an application with Brent Council to transform a site earmarked for future housing in Wembley into temporary 5-a-side football pitches and an indoor events space. The proposal targets land at the crossroads of Fulton Road, First Way, and Engineers Way, formerly the Yellow Car Park, where residential construction is not expected for at least two years. This ‘meanwhile use’ initiative aims to provide community sports facilities and leisure attractions during the interim period.​

What is the Background of Quintain’s Wembley Park Regeneration?

Quintain has led the regeneration of Wembley Park since 2004, securing planning permission for up to 8,500 new homes on 8.8 million square feet of land. According to Quintain, more than 4,700 homes have already been completed as part of this ambitious project.

The current application focuses on three plots where building work on residential units remains distant, allowing for short-term community benefits.

The site’s location places it in close proximity to major Wembley landmarks, enhancing its potential as a complementary attraction. Quintain’s plans emphasise integration with the local area, stating that the facilities have been

“shaped to complement and operate alongside existing meanwhile uses.”

Why Has Quintain Proposed Temporary 5-a-Side Pitches?

The outdoor sports facility on Plot 1 would feature five floodlit 5-a-side football pitches, each measuring 30m by 20m.

These pitches would be fully enclosed by a 1.2m high rebound board, 5m high soft-barrier netting, and roof netting to keep balls within the playing area. Floodlights mounted on 8m columns would enable evening use.

A pavilion building would accompany the pitches, housing reception, changing rooms, and toilets. The facility would be open to the public daily from 8am to 10pm, promoting accessible sports for local residents. Quintain notes that construction of homes on this plot “is unlikely to begin” for a couple of years, justifying the temporary setup.

As reported in coverage of the application, the developer seeks permission for a three-year tenure, though both tenant and landlord hold break clauses that could shorten this to one year. This flexibility accommodates the site’s long-term residential destiny.

What Details Define the Indoor Events Venue?

Plot 2 proposes a 12m high demountable leisure, entertainment, and events venue described as

“an immersive, family-friendly exhibition featuring interactive and static displays, food and beverage outlets, retail spaces, and toilet facilities,”

according to the application documents. Operations would run daily from 8am to 9pm, with public entry from 9am.

Visitor management includes staggered arrivals, allowing up to 200 people every 30 minutes, with an average dwell time of 70 minutes. The demountable structure ensures minimal permanent impact, aligning with constraints on frontage alterations due to future housing plans.

Developers position this as an enhancement to Wembley’s visitor offerings, explicitly designed to

“complement and add to the attractions at Wembley.”

How Does This Fit with Existing Wembley Attractions?

Quintain highlights synergy with nearby ‘meanwhile uses,’ particularly Bubble Planet on Fulton Road. This multi-sensory exhibition features 11 themed rooms with giant bubbles, balloon pits, and VR technology, drawing families and tourists.

The new plans aim to operate alongside such installations, bolstering the area’s leisure profile.

The site’s prior role as the Yellow Car Park underscores its transitional status, now pivoting towards sports and events to serve the community before housing takes precedence. No significant frontage changes are feasible, preserving the area’s future development potential.

When and How Will Brent Council Decide?

Brent Council has received the application, which will come before the Planning Committee on February 11, 2026. A decision on approval will be made at that meeting, determining whether the temporary facilities can proceed.

The council’s role is pivotal, balancing short-term community gains against long-term housing objectives.

The proposal’s temporary nature – with a possible one- or three-year lifespan – minimises risk to residential timelines. Stakeholders await the outcome, as approval could activate vibrant sports and leisure spaces swiftly.

What Are the Broader Implications for Wembley Residents?

Local sports enthusiasts stand to gain from accessible 5-a-side pitches, fostering community engagement in an area undergoing rapid transformation. The family-oriented events venue promises cultural and recreational draws, potentially boosting footfall without permanent infrastructure.

Critics might question prioritisation amid housing pressures, though Quintain’s track record – with over 4,700 homes delivered – underscores commitment to regeneration. The plans reflect a pragmatic ‘meanwhile use’ strategy, common in urban development.

Why Focus on ‘Meanwhile Use’ in Regeneration Areas?

‘Meanwhile use’ refers to temporary occupation of land for community or commercial purposes ahead of permanent development. Here, it delivers sports pitches and an events space where housing delays create a gap. Quintain’s initiative exemplifies how developers can contribute to local vitality during transitions.

The split into Plot 1 (sports) and Plot 2 (events) optimises the site, with operational hours tailored to residential neighbours – 8am-10pm for pitches, 8am-9pm for the venue. Floodlighting and enclosures ensure functionality and safety.

How Have Similar Projects Fared in Brent?

Brent Council has overseen Wembley’s evolution, with Quintain as a key player. Past approvals for temporary uses have supported regeneration, aligning with council goals for housing alongside amenities. The February 11 committee meeting will test this proposal’s fit within that framework.

No statements from council officials are yet public, but the application’s detail – from netting heights to visitor caps – signals thorough preparation. Approval could set a precedent for interim activations across Wembley Park.

What Challenges Might Arise?

Site constraints limit frontage modifications, focusing changes internally. Lease break clauses provide exit routes if housing accelerates. Noise, lighting, and traffic from 10pm pitch closures and staggered venue entries require management, though plans address public access responsibly.

Quintain’s claims of complementarity with Wembley and Bubble Planet rely on smooth integration, pending committee scrutiny.