Just for the record if an arena is built on the Gateway site, as we hope will happen, it will be a commercial venture fully funded by the private sector.

Croydon Council is convinced that East Croydon would be a superb site for such an attraction a view confirmed by experienced, independent consultants.

We are very pleased that both developers with an interest in the future of this long neglected land support the idea of an arena.

The council's involvement is limited to creating the conditions in which an arena can be built. Ultimately, though, it will be a commercial venture with no dependency on taxpayers' money.

We are confident that with enlightened, experienced management, an arena would put on the kind of sporting and musical entertainment that would appeal to a large number of residents and visitors.

Now that London has won the 2012 Olympics, there is every prospect that a Gateway arena would be able to provide sporting opportunities in support of this worldwide spectacle.

In particular it will be a superb location for training conveniently linked to the Olympic hub by the extended East London Line.

The only way residents will subsidise the facility will be through their willingness to attend attractions.

Councillor Adrian Dennis
Cabinet member for planning, environment and urban development