Three years ago Spurs revealed a plan, called the Northumberland Development Project (NDP), to redevelop their ground into a 60,000 seater stadium. Soaring costs meant the plan was shelved, with chairman Daniel Levy insisting that the club would not be able to afford to stay in the area even if they did not beat West Ham to the rights to move into the Olympic Stadium. Despite the Hammers' success, Spurs have not given up the fight and are disputing the Olympic Park Legacy Company's (OPLC) decision in court. That has not stopped them looking at other alternatives, including the possibility of reviving the NDP, which involves building a stadium on the current site and its adjacent land. The majority of fans are desperate for Spurs to stay in their north London borough of Haringey, and the club have moved to reduce the cost of the NDP by applying for public funds. Spurs have applied to the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) for a grant that will help regenerate the area around White Hart Lane, which is one of the poorest in the capital. Levy said: "We are working hard to make the NDP scheme viable and enable us to stay in Tottenham and redevelop our existing site. "Public sector assistance for infrastructure and public realm works would enable us to deliver the project and the RGF represents the single most important route for funding. "Our hope must be that there is a recognition of the real need for investment in the Northumberland Park ward and that this project presents a real opportunity to deliver sustainable long-term, private sector-led regeneration." It is hoped that the grant would help create jobs in the local area and possibly fund an underground station near to White Hart Lane. Tottenham MP David Lammy, who has long campaigned to keep Spurs in Haringey, gave his support to the grant bid, adding: "I support this bid by Tottenham Hotspur, which has the opportunity to transform an entire community with the highest unemployment in London. "The plan to redevelop White Hart Lane is far and away the most exciting regeneration project in London after the Olympics, and it is encouraging that it is private sector-led. "This Regional Growth Fund proposal will benefit everyone in Tottenham and I urge the government to agree to Spurs' bid."
