The long-awaited project for Crystal Palace Football Club’s new Main Stand at Selhurst Park will boost stadium capacity from 26,000 to more than 34,000, providing more seats, modern facilities and improved access for fans.
Jason Perry, Mayor of Croydon, said: “I am pleased to confirm that the Council has completed the sale of its five houses in Wooderson Close, Selhurst.
“With all residents rehoused, the properties will now be prepared for demolition, clearing the way for the next stage of Crystal Palace FC’s Main Stand redevelopment at Selhurst Park.
“This has been the result of sustained work behind the scenes by the Council working with the club.
“Crucially, the sale will fund replacement new Council homes, helping residents access safe and affordable housing.
“As a Palace supporter, I know how much Selhurst Park means to fans.
“The new Main Stand and wider improvements will be enjoyed for generations and represent a significant investment in the local area.”
All six houses on Wooderson Close have now been acquired and residents have been moved to new homes.
The land will be used for the south east corner of the new stand and as a major construction zone, providing safe routes for vehicles and workers.
It will later form part of an access road and walkway to the stadium.
Steve Parish, chairman of Crystal Palace FC, said: “I would like to thank Croydon Council for their continued support for the stadium redevelopment, which will bring substantial investment into the borough, as well as breathing new life into Selhurst Park.
“It has long been our ambition to extend and modernise Selhurst Park, making it a home fit for the 21st century.”
Preparatory work is already underway, including the relocation of away changing rooms and the removal of portacabins to make space for construction.
Some minor changes are being proposed to the original stadium plans.
These include an updated seating arrangement to meet new safety guidelines, changes to parking to reduce disruption for residents, and improvements to the fanzone and car park, focusing on more green space.
Enhancements to the Holmesdale Road entrance and refinements to the design and materials of the new stand are also under consideration.
Crystal Palace has also reached an agreement with Sainsbury’s for a piece of land required for the development.
The new stand will feature three tiers, an all-glass front, and new facilities including a club shop, museum and café.
It will be 41 metres tall and cover more than 25,000 square metres.
The design is inspired by the original Crystal Palace and aims to improve both the matchday experience and year-round community use of the stadium.
The club has said that further updates on the construction timeline will be released in due course.
