Fulham FC unveils revised design for Riverside Stand development

During its long history, Fulham FC has spent no less than 25 seasons in English football’s top division, and for all those involved with the Club, the aspiration is to see a swift return to the English Premier League (EPL).

In 2013, Fulham Football Club (FFC) secured planning permission to expand the Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage by 4,300 seats, which would increase the overall capacity of the stadium to approximately 30,000 seats. However, the owner, Mr Khan, wanted a design based on a new concept that would deliver a wide range of benefits both now and for future generations. These included creating a new, high quality Stand for fans and a world-class leisure destination that significantly enhances the stadium’s relationship with the adjourning River Thames.

Global architecture practice, Populous were duly tasked to deliver a quality riverside development; much more than just a football Stand next to the river.

The new renderings, which were recently unveiled by the club and Populous, show how the Riverside Stand has now been designed with an iconic roof, which better connects with the neighbouring River Thames.

The architects were also tasked to create a design more sympathetic in scale to the adjoining stands and trees to the south, while reducing the impact of floodlighting on the river, which they have achieved in the new designs by proposing to remove two existing floodlight masts and building a new system below the roof.

Consistent with the 2013 approved scheme, the revised proposal will include:

1. More seating for fans (not exceeding the 30,000 approved capacity)
2. A riverside walk following the approved line
3. Apartments at either end of the stand to create activity (9 are proposed)

In addition, the following will now also be included:

1. A new design that better connects with the river
2. Restaurants, bars and other uses to create a leisure destination for use on match and non-match days
3. An iconic roof design
4. A basement for ‘back of house’ facilities and lounge space

Under review

In terms of the new design, the following are currently being reviewed:

Wind: Testing is underway. Initial results show the wind effects will be similar to the approved scheme.

Noise: Similar to the approved scheme on matchdays. On non-matchdays more active use of the building will be managed to respect neighbours.

Jobs & Community: New jobs and investment will be created in the local area. The restaurants and bars will be available for the local community.

Traffic: Similar to the approved scheme on matchdays. On non-matchdays the proposed restaurants and bars will encourage trips outside of peak hours and traffic will be a fraction of that on matchdays.

Lighting: Two existing floodlight masts will be removed and a new floodlighting system provided below the proposed roof. The additional glazing and increased non-matchday use will be managed through careful selection of materials to minimise light spill.

What happens next?

In regards to what happens next, FFC will submit its revised planning proposal to the Council at the end of the month, with the plan being to begin construction works in late 2018, with completion slated for 2021.

Source & images: FFC / Populous

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