Crystal Palace Football Club will be able to go ahead with its expansion plans, after overcoming a disagreement with neighbouring business, Sainsbury’s.
Sheet metal fabricators will be able to start work on the Selhurst Park extension after it managed to reach a deal with the supermarket over use of the shop’s car park, which will be needed for the main stand.
London News Online reported the club was originally given approval for the expansion to increase capacity from 26,000 to 34,000 by Croydon Council’s planning committee in 2018.
However, as Crystal Palace failed to sign the legal agreement, it had to re-apply for permission in 2022, when it was given the go-ahead again.
Despite receiving council approval and finally reaching a deal with Sainsbury’s, chairman of the club Steve Parish revealed negotiations with the retail giant had been “difficult”.
He stated: “We wish we’d finished this by now and I am determined to see it through and finish it.”
Mr Parish added the club had finally reached the “contract stage” to buy the land from Sainsbury’s, so work should be able to begin shortly.
Changes to the original application submitted in 2018 also included travel plans and minor internal amendments for fire safety.
Although the stadium was meant to be ready for the 2021-22 season, Crystal Palace now hopes the expansion will be complete by the end of 2023.
When it comes to the design of the new stadium, Mr Parish said it will be a “nod to the Crystal Palace and the eagle’s wings”, with lots of glass being used.
