Crystal Palace has edged ever-so-close to ushering a new era a the club after the Eagles are one step away from officially beginning the redevelopment of their beloved ground, Selhurst Park.
As reported earlier by The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam, the redevelopment of the ground has been given the go-ahead from the Croydon Council and will be the final jewel in the club’s crown as plans have been in the works since 2018 to lift the face of Palace and modernize not just the ground but its entire infrastructure.
The redevelopment of Selhurst Park has the go ahead from Croydon Council.
This will usher in an exciting new era for Palace.
A new academy, a young, fresh, vibrant squad and a recruitment policy to match, and, finally, a redeveloped stadium. #CPFC https://t.co/xnhMiS6HHe
— Matt Woosnam (@MattWoosie) October 20, 2022
Selhurst Park is not the only piece of the Palace puzzle that the club will look to reinvigorate, with the training facilities and academy infrastructure also coming into focus after the club has begun a recruitment strategy focusing on the younger generation that will target long-term potential under current boss Patrick Vieira.
As discussed back in July by the club in an official statement, club chairman Steve Parish said: “With all the upheaval and uncertainty brought about by COVID, we have focused on the Academy as well as first-team Training Ground developments. The final wing of the Academy will open early 2023 and it will take the whole facility to extraordinary new levels. It includes a huge medical rehab gym and swimming pool complex that will enable us to give the very best physical and medical care to all our players.”
“The first-team Training Ground is currently under refurbishment to mirror the look, feel, and standard of the Academy restaurant, dressing rooms, and office space.”
“Collectively, the Academy and first-team Training Ground amasses over 50 acres right in the heart of south London, providing all the necessary tools for the club to progress to the next level.”
“The Selhurst Park redevelopment will exceed £100m of investment, and I’m sure supporters can appreciate the scale, complexity, and enormity of this project. But it is something we are absolutely committed to. I’d like to thank Croydon Council for their continued support in enabling us to update the application since the resolution to grant planning permission was issued.”
“We very much hope to make significant progress in the coming months, and will keep supporters and stakeholders updated as and when we have more news.”
With approval now received for the rebuilding of the Main Stand plus other improvements at the ground, approval from the Mayor of London is the final step before Palace can go full steam into the next era.
