Crystal Palace remain committed to redeveloping Selhurst Park, their home for 102 years, despite rising costs and a project that has taken longer than originally planned.
The stadium improvement plans were first announced nine years ago, with completion originally expected five years ago. Preliminary works began in 2024, while enabling work continued last summer after the club relocated its offices.
The project has faced delays, with Crystal Palace also prioritising the £30million redevelopment of their academy. The Covid-19 pandemic created further difficulties, while costs have continued to rise.
Palace working to reduce redevelopment costs
Palace chairman Steve Parish explained that material costs remain one of the biggest concerns as the club reviews parts of the project.
“The material cost is the big issue,” Parish told The Athletic. “There’s been such inflation, so we’re just reviewing materials that we’re using on the facade and maybe some slight design changes, just to see if we can value-engineer the cost down slightly.”
Demolition has now started, although construction will take place in defined stages. Parish also confirmed that a new project management company is expected to start soon.
Financing for the redevelopment has not yet been secured, but Parish remains confident that the necessary funding will eventually be arranged.
“We’re looking at different ways of funding, but that will be in place,” he said.
The chairman also pointed to rising construction costs and complications involving land acquisition as factors behind the prolonged process.
Despite those challenges, Parish stressed that Palace remains fully committed to completing the redevelopment.
“It will get done. We’re absolutely committed to it. It’s essential.”
