Tiled murals showing moments of sporting and musical history in an underpass leading up to Wembley Stadium are to be partially covered by advertising screens.
Brent Council’s planning committee agreed to the proposals put forward by Quintain that will see ‘light boxes’ installed on Bobby Moore Bridge.
There were concerns from members of the public that these could damage the murals on the side of the underpass, while others wanted the tiles to be completely visible again.
The planning committee added a condition to protect the tiles – they will be replaced “like for like” if any damage occurs due to the adverts.
Quintain said the chairman of Wembley History Society supported the proposals after it was agreed that part of the murals would be exposed.
But a petition with almost 300 signatures was handed in calling for all the tiles to be on “permanent display”.
Philip Grant, a member of Wembley History Society, explained that the murals are a “heritage asset” and “worthy of protection”.
“They are a major public artwork, designed for this location to show the varied history of this special place,” he said.
He added the history society, prior to Quintain’s consultation, voted unanimously to call for the murals to be on permanent public display.
Residents also pointed out that the underpass acts as a gateway from Wembley Park Station and should be used to promote and reflect the area’s history.
They added that the underpass is an “integral part of the visitor experience” when the stadium hosts events.
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