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Wembley stadium demolition begins
LONDON, England -- Bulldozers have begun ripping down Wembley's twin towers as part of a £757 million ($1,180 million) plan to build a new English national stadium. Demolition workers moved in on Monday after a two-year battle to secure funding for the project. Wembley stadium was closed down in October 2000 but building work, which was due to start shortly after, has been dogged by delays and cash problems. The deal, finally sealed last week, will provide a new national stadium for English football and would be a key part of any bid by British athletics and London for events like the Commonwealth Games. Construction is to take 40 months, where key developments will be the toppling of the world-famous twin towers, and the renovation of Wembley Way - the approach road to the stadium. A "triumphant arch", 133 metres high and spanning the stadium, will replace the towers as the stadium's architectural landmark The new stadium, with a closing roof, will hold 90,000 people and is expected to open in 2006. As well as being the mecca of English football, the new Wembley will host rugby league and athletics. During Wembley's absence from the sporting calendar, a number of stadiums across the UK have become hosts to key footballing events. Cardiff's Millennium Stadium has staged the FA Cup Final, and some Premiership grounds, including Old Trafford, Anfield and Villa Park, have been used for England international matches. About £161 million of the total cost will come from public funds, including £120 million of lottery cash.
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