Crystal Palace authorities have been given the green light to commence Selhurst Park redevelopment. This investment has been planned for several years, encountering numerous obstacles along the way that effectively delayed its start. However, it looks like work will begin this summer. What are the details of this modernization?

Continual obstacles

In April, it had been six years since Crystal Palace first received permission for construction, essentially the redevelopment of the main stand and other enhancements at Selhurst Park. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and various other reasons, the investment was suspended. A dispute with Sainsbury's over land purchase for parking construction also played a role. Eventually, an agreement was signed in December 2022.

This allowed the club to accelerate its plans. The redevelopment also affected residents of Wooderson Close, as demolishing homes in the area was required. Initially a hurdle, Crystal Palace has now found a solution to overcome this problem and relocate residents to other homes to begin work.

Last year, the club had to reapply for planning permission due to changes in the London Plan (which outlines London's development over the next 20-25 years). In October, both Crystal Palace and the council confirmed that S106 was essentially agreed, and the application was approved positively.

S106 refers to Article 106 of the UK's Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which contains provisions for financing community improvements from developers for any major investments. This serves to mitigate any negative project impacts, requiring Crystal Palace to pay between £700,000 to even a million £.

© Crystal Palace FC / KSS Design Group | Design from 2018

Following Anfield model?

The construction permit expires after three years, so the club must hurry to start the investment. The focus will primarily be on redeveloping the main stand at Selhurst Park, increasing the stadium's capacity to over 34,000 seats. Currently accommodating 5,200 fans, this number will rise to 13,500 after renovations. A key feature of the new main stand will be a fully glazed front, encompassing corporate areas and executive boxes.

Three levels will be constructed, reaching a total height of 41 meters, with the uppermost level having a semi-circular shape. Inside the stand, covering an area of 25,072 square meters, there will be a new club shop, museum, and café. The design responsibility lies with KSS, also involved in the recent renovation of Anfield.

The investment will take about 2.5 years and is likely to commence towards the end of the current season. Initial work is expected to start in June. If all goes according to plan, Crystal Palace will play their first matches at the revamped Selhurst Park towards the end of the 2025/26 season or at the start of the 2026/27 season. Work has already begun on the stadium parking lot, preparing foundations for the new main stand. Throughout the redevelopment, the stand will remain open to fans.

© Crystal Palace FC / KSS Design Group | Design from 2018

Who will finance investment?

When redevelopment was first proposed, costs were estimated at £75 to £100 million. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and recent inflation trends, costs have risen to at least £150 million.

Crystal Palace has not secured funds for the project, despite suggestions that Parish, David Blitzer, and Josh Harris were to do so when Americans became shareholders in 2015. Money will be obtained from loans provided by club shareholders. Most of the £1.7 million bonus offered to Crystal Palace president Parish will not be utilized by him but will be loaned to the club to aid in the redevelopment.

Shareholders like John Textor, John Harris, and David Blitzer will also invest to finance project continuation. Parish believes the total stadium redevelopment cost will ultimately be worthwhile, as the new stand is expected to increase club revenues by up to £30 million.

© Crystal Palace FC / KSS Design Group | Design from 2018

Will promises finally be fulfilled?

Among fans, skepticism is visible, as despite the club's ambitions to start work at the end of this season, lack of tangible progress suggests otherwise. Although doubts are understandable, over a million £ have already been invested in preparatory work.

Signing the S106 agreement is a significant step forward. Potential relegation of Crystal Palace will not halt the investment. Regardless of league placement, there is still a need to redevelop the main stand. Funding is secured, avoiding the challenge of sourcing money, which could be more difficult if playing in the Championship.

© Crystal Palace FC / KSS Design Group | Design from 2018

Decades of dreaming

Plans for Selhurst Park redevelopment have been circulating for many years. In 1996, permission was granted to demolish the main stand and replace it with a two-level structure incorporating bars, lounges, directors' boxes, and a creche, but this project was never realized. After CPFC's takeover in 2010, full redevelopment was also considered but not executed.

In 2011, there were plans to return to the club's original location in Crystal Palace Park. Although these plans were never realized, they have not been entirely shelved. Even in 2020, they were revisited before being discarded in favor of Selhurst's redevelopment.