Fulham FC has presented visualizations of the Riverside Stand designed by Populous at Craven Cottage Stadium in London, featuring a rooftop pool. This visualization is part of the stadium's redevelopment. What are the details of this project?

Ambitious project with VIP status

The Riverside Stand has been under construction for almost five years, with the proposed opening date being postponed three times. However, there are now realistic chances of completing the investment. According to the latest information, it is set to be completed by the end of 2024. It will have a capacity of 8,000 seats, increasing the capacity at Craven Cottage to 28,500. In addition to seats, on the Riverside Stand there will also be restaurants, bars, conference rooms, event spaces, a boutique hotel, and a fitness club.

The visualizations also show a pool that will be located on the top three floors of the stand as part of the so-called Sky Deck. While the pool won't offer views of the pitch, it will have a breathtaking view of the River Thames. It will be 15 meters long and 5 meters wide, with a depth of 1.2 meters.

© Populous

Is this end of delays?

The pool is intended to be part of a high-end biological renewal and recreation club in the Riverside Stand. Its construction has faced delays, and similar to the four-star hotel on the opposite side of the stadium, it is scheduled to open only in 2025. Both spaces have been designed to help Fulham maximize revenues and ensure a more sustainable financial operation. The club last reported a profit in its annual financial report in 2011.

Our vision for the new stand was to create a unique experience never seen before, both within and outside the context of football, said senior director at Populous, Philip Johnson, as quoted by Dezeen.

© Populous

Only one in Europe

However, building a pool on the stadium roof presents significant challenges. Safety measures and proper sealing to prevent leaks must be ensured. Additionally, an appropriate maintenance program needs to be designed considering the impact of saltwater from the nearby Thames, as well as pollen and leaves from nearby Bishop's Park.

Fulham's stadium pool will be the first of its kind in Europe, although not in the world. Everbank Field, home of the NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars owned by Fulham FC owner Shahid Khan, features two pools in the north stand overlooking the field. Similarly, baseball arena Chase Field has a pool right next to the field.

Fulham's authorities changed the stand's design during its construction. Originally, there were plans to build 9 apartments, but these were replaced by a four-star hotel with 15 rooms at the north end of the Hammersmith stand. The planned event and functional space on the top three floors were also changed to a members' club. The design of the members' club was prepared by the Parisian design studio Dion et Arles.

© Populous

Ensuring revenue

The redevelopment of the Riverside Stand has been welcomed. There is an understanding that the club needs to generate alternative revenue sources, given Fulham's dependence on TV broadcast revenues. Khan, who has invested over £500 million in the club, is incurring losses.

The Riverside Stand should enable the club to generate revenues throughout the year, while benefiting from lucrative hospitality packages that will be competitive compared to London rivals. Most importantly, this means that the sale of Craven Cottage, which has long been the biggest concern of Fulham fans, seems unlikely in the foreseeable future.