Port of London Authority decision brings construction one step closer

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The Port of London Authority says that, after extensive consultation over the conditions that should apply, it has issued a River Works Licence to Fulham Football Club.

A River Works Licence is required for any works in, under or over the River Thames.

The Port of London Authority, or PLA Board decided to approve the llicence to Fulham Football Club for the redevelopment of its Riverside stand at a meeting last May.

Plans for building the stand will now be developed by Fulham Football Club and approved by the PLA and there will be further consultation around construction methods and use of the river during the construction phase.

Fulham FC Fulham says it received planning consent for the redevelopment in July 2013, subject to the licence being obtained.

The club adds that one of the key considerations of the Port of London Authority in granting the licence is Fulham FC's commitment to the opening up of the river walkway to enable it to be enjoyed by the local community and the general public for the first time in recent history.

Home to the club since 1896, Craven Cottage currently accommodates 25,700 fans but can now expand to 30,000.

The plans mean that the Riverside Stand, nearest to the Thames, will be partially demolished and extended to include a new upper tier that will wrap around the existing stand and create new hospitality space, a new riverside facade, new roof and four residential units.

The plan also allows for the partial demolition and rebuild of the western ends of the Putney and Hammersmith stands, including installation of new seats and the removal of two floodlight masts.

The riverside walk along the Thames will be opened up on non-match days and FFC will make a £600,000 contribution for the restoration of Bishops Park, plus an annual contribution of £40,000 per year for 10 years for on-going maintenance of the park and pay £60,000 to install heritage gates at the Stevenage Road entrance to Bishops Park.

FFC will make a series of payments to improve signage, CCTV, and pedestrian and road safety measures in the area, as part of the planning consent. The club will also continue to provide stewards to manage the crowds outside the ground and additional street cleaning on match days.

February 6, 2015