Fulham have announced plans to increase the capacity of Craven Cottage by 4000
seats.
The club have approached Hammersmith & Fulham Council who are now consulting
local residents and amenity groups before feeding back comments to the club.
H&F Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Greenhalgh, said: 'The council has
been approached by Fulham Football Club who want to secure their long-term
future at Craven Cottage and to ensure that a positive package of proposals is
put forward.
'We have been interested to listen to what they have had to say but the most
important people here are the local residents and voices need to be heard and
any concerns addressed.'
Fulham are proposing to increase capacity in the Riverside Stand by removing
the executive boxes.
They also want to open the riverside walk to the public, except on match days,
and fully restore the listed turnstiles.
The club will also provide £1million in funding to help council plans to
rejuvenate Bishop's Park.
Greenhalgh concluded: 'There will be ample opportunity for residents, local
groups and interested parties to discuss the proposals as they currently stand
and for the council to feed back suggestions and concerns to the football club
before any formal application.'
However, if Fulham does put in a formal planning application then additional
public consultation will be carried out.
Mohamed Al Fayed, Chairman of Fulham Football Club, said: 'Craven Cottage is
synonymous with Fulham FC and it is vital that the club is given every
opportunity to develop the facilities available, to enable it to remain at its'
home.
'I am confident that an increased capacity and further improvements to the
facilities can help us reach and maintain our business objectives.'
