Wembley Stadium’s iconic ramps are DEMOLISHED after 46 years

Wembley Stadium’s iconic ramps are DEMOLISHED after 46 years to be replaced by stairs to the horror of fans – but bosses claim the £18m project will make the venue MORE accessible

  • Building work has started at Wembley Stadium to demolish its iconic ramps
  • Supporters of a host of clubs have scaled the ramps prior to major cup finals
  • They have been in place for 46 years but will now be replaced by sets of stairs
  • Bosses at Wembley are insistent the move makes the stadium more accessible 

Wembley Stadium announced the ‘end of an era’ as footage of its iconic ramps being demolished was shared across social media on Thursday.

The ramps, known as pedways, have been available to supporters for 46 years and has been of use to a host of different teams throughout the football pyramid for major cup finals. 

But months after work began, demolition has commenced with a new set of steps being put in for 2021.  

Demolition work has commenced to remove the two iconic ramps at Wembley Stadium

They have been an integral part of a fan's experience having been in place for 46 years

They have been an integral part of a fan’s experience having been in place for 46 years

A tweet from Wembley Stadium’s account read: ’46 years of history. Work has begun to demolish our iconic pedway ramps which have served fans and supporters for 46 years. 

‘The pedways, which have led crowds to our iconic venue for so long, will be replaced with a new set of steps for 2021. The end of an era.’

Work on the regeneration of the stadium entrance is expected to be concluded before the Carabao Cup final in February 2021.  

The changes have also been influenced by Euro 2020, now being held in 2021 due to delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Brent Council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the £18million demolition of the ramps in 2018, despite facing overwhelming opposition to the move.

The ramps were built back in 1974 to facilitate on-foot access to the old Wembley. 

They provided a route over a coach park, but that no longer exists. 

Wembley Way will see steps introduced in time for the Carabao Cup final in February 2021

Wembley Way will see steps introduced in time for the Carabao Cup final in February 2021

Known as ‘The Olympic Steps’, the move to replace the ‘outdated, concrete pedway’ is expected to improve accessibility, according to a statement by Wembley Park.

One of the biggest factors for the opposition has been the difficulty steps represent for disabled supporters.

But the statement adds that the existing ramps ‘do not comply with accessibility legislation’ because they are too steep. 

As part of the redevelopment outside the national stadium, developers insist ‘accessibility will be improved’ with four new lifts being built to assist wheelchair users to enter and exit the ground.