Plans for a brand-new stadium for Dulwich Hamlet Football Club have taken a significant step forward after Southwark Council approved the next stage of the redevelopment on June 17.

Old astro turf site to be redeveloped

Cabinet members of the council signed off on a proposal that includes the redevelopment of a disused artificial pitch adjacent to the existing Champion Hill stadium. This area, which forms part of Greendale Playing Fields, will be transferred to the football club to allow the construction of a new all-weather pitch, which in turn will support the development of a modern stadium. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), while the specific area earmarked for redevelopment will be handed over to the club, the remainder of the playing fields will remain under public ownership and continue to be accessible to local residents.

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© Southwark Council

A long-awaited breakthrough for the club

Dulwich Hamlet Chairman Ben Clasper welcomed the council’s decision, saying that final obstacles are removed and that the club is now in a position to move forward with building a new stadium. He stressed that since receiving planning approval, the club has proven itself to be a responsible and committed steward of public land.

We have delivered on the expectation that we will increase sporting provision and community use, Clasper said. We aim to continue that responsible stewardship with a new stadium that both the council and community can be proud of.

History, growth — and growing pains

Dulwich Hamlet has been part of the South London football scene for over 120 years and has played at its current Champion Hill ground since the early 1990s. While the club has drawn strong community support, the facilities have struggled to keep pace with modern standards and rising demand.

Clasper revealed that over 70,000 people attended matches at the ground during the 2024/25 season — the third consecutive year with such attendance. But repeated sell-outs have caused frustrations, with the club occasionally forced to halt ticket sales or close gates due to overcrowding. These sell-outs are starting to have a negative impact on the community, Clasper warned. People are being driven away from games — and even from the area — for fear of being turned away.

© Southwark Council

Stadium plans and housing development

The new stadium, approved in 2022, will include seating for 4,000 spectators. In addition to the upgraded football facilities, the plans include a multi-purpose recreational kick-about space and the development of 219 new homes, forming part of a wider regeneration effort for the area.