English soccer club Crystal Palace FC has announced a £100m (US$134m) redevelopment plan to transform its Selhurst Park stadium with a new five-story main stand that would increase capacity and give the venue a dramatic glass-fronted design.
The Eagles’ chairman Steve Parish unveiled the “major announcement” to upgrade the EPL side’s 93-year-old home after plans for rebuilding an entirely new stadium in an alternative location were unviable. Instead, it was revealed the club would invest £75-£100m to overhaul the existing site, with the ambition to build a “new era” in south London.
The proposal drawn up by architect KSS, which also worked with Liverpool FC to redevelop Anfield, would see seating expand from 26,000 to more than 34,000, with a large, vaulted glass frontage paying homage to the structure of the original Crystal Palace exhibition hall that once neighbored the stadium.
Other key features of the redevelopment will include improved access for disabled supporters, as well as new premium hospitality and entertainment facilities with up to 28 boxes and a Tunnel Club, where fans are able to watch players as they prepare to walk out on to the field. This is the same feature first used by the Dallas Cowboys and has since been adopted by the likes of Manchester City FC and will also be seen at Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium.
The design of the stand’s new roof is said to funnel sound from supporters down onto the field and travel to the opposite stand – a feature that aims to enhance the atmosphere within the stadium.
“We need a stadium that reflects who we are, how far we have come and where we want to go – a stadium that South London can be proud of, a home worthy of our incredible support and unique atmosphere,” said Steve Parish.
“I am proud, in conjunction with our partners KSS, to introduce a new Selhurst Park with a new Crystal Palace for a new era. We are creating a new home worthy of our club, our supporters and our community, and a celebration of our 112 years in south London.”
Planning application for the “centerpiece” new stand will be submitted to Croydon Council in January and, if successful, the revamp will take up to three years to complete, while creating minimal impact to supporters with the current main stand remaining open throughout construction.
December 6, 2017
