Plans to expand Crystal Palace FC’s stadium with a new main stand, increasing capacity by over 8,000 seats have received full permission.

The project to build the new stand will more than double the capacity on one side of the Premier League club’s historic Selhurst Park ground, which dates back 100 years.

The south London club has yet to name a construction team to deliver the project.

The glass-fronted stand will seat 13,500 fans, compared with the current stand’s 5,200 capacity. Selhurst Park’s overall capacity will increase from 25,486 to more than 34,000 following the refurb.

Three tiers of seating will be added, alongside a new club shop, museum and cafe, plus improved access for supporters with disabilities. The facility has also been designed to be net-zero in operation.

The revamp has tbeen a long time coming. Plans were first submitted to Croydon Council in 2018 but faced delays due to Covid-19 initially, and then fire safety recommendations for the initial plans. 

The club confirmed that tenants living in six affordable homes on Wooderson Close, which will be demolished as part of the expansion plan, have been rehoused by the council.

It further confirmed that it had signed a legal agreement to provide the replacement homes, and agreed to make sure that the development would not affect the supply of affordable housing in the borough.

Club chair Steve Parish said that enabling works had already begun over the summer. He added: “We aim to have final plans and costings in the very near future, and at the end of that stage we will appoint a final construction partner.” 

Crystal Palace FC is one of a growing number of Premier League clubs planning to expand their stadiums.

In May, John Sisk & Son landed the contract for the £300m build of a new North Stand for champions Manchester City FC.

Laing O’Rourke is currently constructing Everton FC’s new £555m stadium at Bramley Moore Dock, Liverpool.

Liverpool FC’s £80m Anfield expansion is also underway, but running late after main contractor Buckingham Group imploded last year.

Arsenal FC’s directors are also involved in discussions about expanding the Emirates Stadium.