Highbury, the historic home of Arsenal Football Club, was demolished after more than 90 years and transformed into a large apartment complex. The stadium, which opened in 1913, hosted the world's first live televised football match in September 1937.
Final Match and Farewell
Highbury's final match took place on May 7, 2006, when Arsenal beat Wigan Athletic 4-2. Thierry Henry scored a hat-trick and kissed the pitch after the final whistle in an emotional farewell. For Arsenal supporters, the stadium will always be remembered as the home of the club's greatest achievements, including the 2003/04 'Invincibles' season when the team went unbeaten in the Premier League.
Redevelopment into Highbury Square
After Arsenal moved to the 60,000-seat Emirates Stadium at nearby Ashburton Grove in 2006, Highbury was largely demolished. The site was redeveloped into Highbury Square, a residential complex that opened in 2009. The North Bank and Clock End were removed, but the Art Deco fronts of the East and West Stands were preserved, along with the 'Arsenal Stadium' lettering and the Marble Halls entrance. The former players' tunnel now serves as a walkway, and the old pitch is a large communal garden.
Historical Significance
Highbury opened on September 6, 1913, with Arsenal beating Leicester Fosse 2-1. It was redeveloped in the 1930s under manager Herbert Chapman, adding iconic Art Deco stands. By the late 1990s, the Taylor Report forced Highbury to become all-seater, reducing capacity from over 73,000 to 38,419. Expanding was impossible due to surrounding houses and the Grade II-listed East Stand.
