A business standing in the way of Tottenham Hotspur's £400M ($614M) stadium redevelopment "has claimed at the High Court that an invalid compulsory purchase order is being used to force it out," according to John Aston of the PA. Archway Sheet Metal Works is "asking a judge to quash the 'unlawful' order." If the application succeeds it would be a "major blow to controversial plans for the new 56,000 capacity stadium complex." Archway describes itself as a "wonderfully old-fashioned family business" producing metal items for the catering and hospitality industry. The owners "have been in a dispute with Spurs for the last decade over its redevelopment plans" (PA, 2/17). In London, Gareth Vipers reported a "mystery fire" gutted the Archway premises near the North Stand at White Hart
Lane in November and the owners have said they have received "bomb
threats." A Tottenham club spokesperson said, "We have already successfully and
amicably relocated more than 70 businesses in the area to the
satisfaction of all parties concerned and a number of these
organizations continue to reside in the borough. Whilst we were
able to accommodate all these other businesses' requests, in the
instance of Archway, we have been unable to reach agreement over the
period of the last seven years" (EVENING STANDARD, 2/17). Also in London, Aliya Ram reported Qatar is "said to be interested in buying the Premier League club and it is thought the search for stadium financing will flush out bidders." The hearing has "provoked excitement among Spurs supporters who are hoping their decade-long wait for a new stadium might soon be over." The hearing will last two days, "although the outcome may not be announced for several weeks" (FINANCIAL TIMES, 2/17).
