Which Premier League clubs are expanding their stadiums?

CM visited the site of Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock earlier this year. This magnificent project features leading-edge construction techniques, notably in the use of digital technology, which main contractor Laing O’Rourke has won acclaim for. The 52,000-seater venue is due to open during the 2024-25 season, replacing Everton’s historic Goodison Park as the club’s home.

While their neighbours are moving, Liverpool are staying put and expanding their Anfield Stadium. Construction work started in September 2021 on an extra 7,000-seat tier above the existing Anfield Road stand, to increase the stadium’s capacity to 61,000 in time for the 2023-24 season. But contractor Buckingham has said that delays to the project mean it will not be ready until a few weeks after the season has started.

There is still no definite date for when Fulham’s new Riverside Stand will be completely open. The club appointed Buckingham as main contractor for the project, with work commencing in summer 2019 and estimated it would be ready for the start of the 2021/22 season. The lower area of the stand has been opened to supporters, but not the upper tier. The stand will increase Craven Cottage’s capacity from 25,700 to 29,600 and includes riverfront restaurants, rooftop pool and a hotel.

The top flight’s newcomers have been forced to postpone their first Premier League game at Kenilworth Road on 19 August due to delays to upgrade work. The stadium holds just 10,356 and the club is spending £10m on improvement works to comply with Premier League regulations, which includes rebuilding much of the Bobbers Stand. Luton Town FC has had outline planning permission since 2019 for a new 23,000-seat stadium at Power Court, and said after promotion it hopes the venue will be ready by 2026.

The champions were boosted last month by approval for their plan to expand the Etihad Stadium. City will redevelop the North Stand’s upper tier, increasing stadium capacity to over 60,000, and add a sky bar plus stadium roof walk experience. Construction works will commence in November 2023 and complete during the 2025/26 football season. The plan also includes a covered City Square fan zone, new club shop, museum, workspace and hotel.

Birmingham City Council green lit plans for redeveloping the North Stand of Villa Park last Christmas. The new stand will add an extra 7,300 seats and increase stadium capacity to more than 50,000 and will include commercial space, plus improvements to accessibility and local transport. Demolition is planned to start in summer 2024 with the stand completed by May 2026.

Crystal Palace received planning permission from Croydon Council for a new main stand in December 2022. The development will increase Selhurst Park’s capacity from 26,000 to 34,000. Further images of the new stand surfaced on social media in July 2023, though there source is unverified. The project depends on acquisition of six houses in Wooderson Close and the relocation of residents, and acquiring land from the neighbouring Sainsbury’s supermarket.

Read Part 2 of our Premier League stadium expansion feature here.