Featured image credit: Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace is hoping to commence building work on a new Main Stand at Selhurst Park following the conclusion of the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Palace said today (Tuesday) that work on the Main Stand development is progressing well following a summer of preliminary works. The project is currently in its final planning phase, which includes ongoing negotiations with contractors.
The club’s intention is to start building works at the conclusion of the current season. Croydon Council approved the club’s plans to expand the stand back in August, with the project set to increase Selhurst Park’s total capacity from 25,486 to more than 34,000.
Initial enabling works have begun towards the construction, including some minor adjustments to the existing Main Stand, as well as preparations for the expected site footprint.
The club has identified the potential for a small range of “minor material amendments” to the original stadium design plans, with discussions currently taking place with local residents and Croydon Council to obtain permission for these.
The amendments include an updated seating layout to meet new safety guidance; changes to the parking plans to reduce disruption to local residents; improvements to the proposed fanzone, car park and Sainsbury’s car park; enhancing the entrance to the new stand on the Holmesdale Road corner; and a refinement of the materials and design of the new stand.
The main contractor has completed the construction management plan for the construction phase, and will shortly conclude discussions with Croydon Council. Palace said this will help ensure that lorries entering and leaving the construction site create the minimum disturbance to residents.
In July, Palace appointed Australian construction and real estate company Lendlease as its construction partner for the redevelopment of Selhurst Park.
The new five-storey Main Stand, featuring an all-glass front, intends to be a tribute to the club’s early days when it was based in the shadows of the original Crystal Palace on Sydenham Hill
Palace’s updated planning application for a new Main Stand was approved by local councillors in October 2022. Croydon Council first gave permission for Palace to redevelop the stadium back in April 2018, after the club first unveiled the plans in December 2017.
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project but it is now hoped that work can finally begin next summer.
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