Crystal Palace has reiterated its commitment to redevelop Selhurst Park but has been forced to provide more information and make minor adjustments to its original plans.
It has been more than four years since Croydon City Council granted the Premier League club planning permission to increase the capacity of its 26,000-seat venue by a further 8,000.
An estimated completion date was set for the start of the 2021-22 season, but that was before the coronavirus pandemic and in the meantime Palace built a new academy base, which cost an estimated £20m.
We have an important update to share on the redevelopment of Selhurst Park, as well as news on the Academy and the first team training ground.#CPFC— Crystal Palace FC (@CPFC) July 20, 2022
Palace’s original planning application with Croydon City Council from 2018 is still active but, as a result of planning policy changes in the London Plan, the club has been forced to adhere to new measures such as safety regulations against fire, energy requirements and urban green areas.
More information is expected to come out over the “next few weeks” for an updated assessment, but President Steve Parish remains determined to see through what would be another major project under his watch.
He said: “The redevelopment of Selhurst Park will exceed £100m of investment and I am sure supporters can appreciate the scale, complexity and enormity of this project, but it is something we are absolutely committed to.
“I would like to thank Croydon City Council for their continued support in allowing us to update the application since the resolution to grant planning permission was issued.
“We very much look forward to making significant progress in the coming months and will keep supporters and stakeholders informed as we learn more.”
Palace is set to finish the refurbishment of its academy early next year, but it will open at the end of 2021.
The first teams, including Marc Guehi, Ebere Eze and Wilfried Zaha, who are not part of the team that will travel to Australia during pre-season, are currently training in the youth team with assistant Osian Roberts, while the senior training facilities at across the street. on Copers Cope Road is undergoing refurbishment.
“With all the turmoil and uncertainty caused by Covid, we have been focused on the academy as well as the development of the first team training camp,” said Parish.
“The final wing of the academy will open in early 2023 and will take the entire facility to extraordinary new levels. It includes a large medical rehabilitation gym and a swimming pool complex that will allow us to provide the best physical and medical care to all our players.
“The first team training ground is currently undergoing refurbishment to reflect the look, feel and standard of the academy restaurant, changing rooms and office space.
“Together, the first team academy and training ground span over 50 acres in the heart of South London, providing all the tools necessary for the club to progress to the next level.
“The decision was made to adapt this area and now the focus returns to the stadium. This is the biggest project the football club will ever undertake and the learnings we have from the academy and first team practice facilities will be invaluable.”
