QPR set to leave Loftus Road for a new 40,000-seater stadium in North West London

Queens Park Rangers have unveiled ambitious plans for a new 40,000-seater stadium in north west London.
Since taking over in 2011, QPR chairman Tony Fernandes has made it clear that 18,000-capacity Loftus Road is too small for the level he aspires to for the club.
The announcement of the new stadium follows a recent pledge by London Mayor Boris Johnson to regenerate the Old Oak area. Rangers hope to make the move in 2018.

On the move: QPR have unveiled plans for a new 40,000-seater stadium

Fernandes told the club's official website: 'Loftus Road is – and always will be – a special place for the club and our supporters, but we need more than an 18,000 capacity.
'With no option of expanding here, we have to look elsewhere and we welcome the Mayor’s and Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s commitment to regenerate the area, which includes an option to develop a new stadium at Old Oak as a key catalyst to bring forward redevelopment, cementing our future in this part of west London.
'Not only will this give us a top quality stadium to cater for QPR's needs as the club progresses and grows over the years ahead, but we are very excited about being the driving force behind creating one of the best new urban places in the world.

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'This will be the catalyst for the regeneration of a forgotten area – ultimately bringing new transport, 24,000 homes and at least 50,000 jobs.
'It will create a vibrant new destination in London, boosting local businesses, attracting new visitors and tourism and creating a thriving community.'

Changes: QPR chief executive Philip Beard (left) and chairman Fernandes are excited by the prospect of building a new stadium in the Old Oak area of north west London

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QPR CEO, Philip Beard, who helped transform the Millennium Dome into the O2 Arena in Greenwich, added: 'We look forward to working with the Mayor and local authorities and we will, of course, be consulting our loyal and passionate supporters, as well as the local community, on our exciting plans early next year. 

'We will look to build a stadium QPR fans and local residents can be proud of.
'Loftus Road is renowned for its atmosphere and with the help of our supporters, replicating that at our new stadium will be one of our top priorities.'