Fulham stadium redevelopment to start THIS summer with one stand to close for two seasons
Owner Shahid Khan presses ahead with Craven Cottage rebuild plans despite relegation as Buckingham Group are appointed for demolition and development
FULHAM have confirmed their main Riverside Stand will be demolished this summer as work begins on redeveloping Craven Cottage.
Owner Shahid Khan is pressing ahead with the rebuild of the old ground despite the club being relegated from the Premier League.
Fulham have appointed lead contractors in the Buckingham Group to start demolishing and then developing the Riverside Stand.
It means the London club will now definitely be staying in their home on the bank of the River Thames.
The stand will be closed for the next two seasons but is expected to be complete in time for the start of the 2021/22 campaign.
Khan said: “I am delighted to now be able to formally announce that our work on the Riverside Stand development will begin in earnest this summer.
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“I understand today’s announcement was many years in the making, but the right thing for all parties was to be deliberate, collaborative and thorough.
"I thank our supporters for their patience, and am especially grateful to all those who have worked tremendously hard behind the scenes to bring us to this point. The wait will be worth it.
“Craven Cottage is a unique and inspiring venue to not only play football, but to visit.
"As I noted upon becoming Chairman in 2013, it has always been my intention to follow through with the development of the Riverside Stand, and today’s news brings that intention to reality.
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“Make no mistake, the Riverside development will be a location like no other, a real game-changer for Fulham Football Club, our neighbourhood, and all of London.
"Our aim is to create a world-class destination for fans and guests to experience and enjoy, whilst retaining the charm that Craven Cottage exudes within our very own section of the River Thames.
"In doing so, we will also safeguard the Club’s future at Craven Cottage, forever the rightful home for Fulham.”