By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
Crystal Palace Football Club has taken a major step forward in its long-awaited redevelopment of Selhurst Park, announcing the completion of the purchase of all six houses on Wooderson Close. This breakthrough clears a significant obstacle that has delayed the ambitious £200million+ project for years, paving the way for demolition and the start of construction.
The club confirmed the news on January 9, stating: “We are pleased to confirm we have completed the purchase of all six houses located in Wooderson Close. With this purchase completed, and all residents rehoused, these properties can now be readied for demolition, removing another formal barrier towards commencing construction.”
The houses on Wooderson Close, located directly adjacent to the current Main Stand, have long been a focal point of the project. Five were owned by Croydon Council, and one was privately held. Executive Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry, a lifelong Palace supporter, welcomed the council’s role in the sale, noting that it will help fund replacement affordable housing elsewhere in the borough.
With all former residents successfully relocated, a portion of the site will initially serve as a safe construction zone for workers and traffic, minimizing disruption on matchdays, before becoming part of the new south-eastern corner of the expanded stand.
The redevelopment aims to modernize the aging Main Stand, originally built in 1924, while preserving the unique atmosphere that makes Selhurst Park special. Key improvements include:
- Increasing overall stadium capacity from around 25,500 to more than 34,000
- Adding a sleek, all-glass three-tier design with enhanced general admission seating, corporate hospitality, better disabled access, and a new club museum
- New club shop, cafe, and other fan-focused facilities
The project has faced multiple delays since initial planning permission was granted nearly eight years ago, including challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, land negotiations (including with Sainsbury’s for adjacent parking space), and the complex process of resident relocation. However, enabling works have progressed steadily, such as new changing rooms under the Holmesdale End and infrastructure upgrades.
Club officials have indicated that major construction, including visible demolition phases, is set to ramp up soon, with the full redevelopment expected to take over two years and potentially complete during the 2026/27 season.
This milestone marks exciting progress for Palace fans, who have waited patiently for a modernized home that matches the club’s growing ambitions. As Chairman Steve Parish has previously emphasized, the vision is to create “a stadium the whole of south London can be proud of.”
Further updates on timelines and next steps are expected from the club in the coming weeks. For Eagles supporters, the future of Selhurst Park looks brighter than ever.
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