Redevelopment at Selhurst Park could mean name-change

Palace announced plans in December to construct a new five-story stand at Selhurst Park. The redesign would increase the current 26,000 capacity to more than 34,000. The club is awaiting confirmation from Croydon Council within the next month that planning permission and the work can begin. All being well, Palace are hopeful that construction could begin within the year. 

The expected cost of the project could reach up to £100million, and in order to finance the redevelopment, Palace could turn to a sponsor to assist. If this is the case, the club may have to consider renaming their home-ground. 

Speaking to 'Standard Sport', Palace chairman Steve Parish said that a name change would only occur under the right conditions, and he hoped that club supporters would be understanding. ''If it was the right number and something that helped us build it [the new main stand] better or faster, then it is something we would look at,'' he said. Although Parish added that they would act in the best interests of the club. 

He said ''Selhurst Park is a nice name...probably I would not personally mind as much because my goal is improving the club. My primary focus is to make the club better. But all of these things have to be weighed up. We are not going to give them up easily. I think people would understand if it is the right answer for the club and if it is a good association. That matters. It might make the difference between doing it exactly how we want and making some compromises. It is not a decision that we would definitely do it. We would look at all options.'' Palace have also said that they would consider a less lucrative deal in place of maintaining the current name.

 

February 14, 2018

The stadium, if permission is granted, would be aiming for completion by the 2020-2021 campaign. The redevelopment has been designed by KSS architects whose portfolio includes Twickenham and Wimbledon. Improvements will include an increased pitch size in order to comply with UEFA regulations and become eligible to host European events.