Millwall FC unveils plan for 34,000-capacity stadium

An artist’s impression of how the expanded stadium would look (image: AFL Architects)

Millwall Football Club has revealed plans to expand its stadium in south London.

The club is trying to agree a new lease on The Den after the mayor of Lewisham decided to terminate the sale of the freeholds of the land on which Millwall’s stadium sits to a property developer.

Once it has agreed a lease, the club signalled that it would prepare a planning application.

The proposals under development, which are being prepared by AFL Architects, include a strategy for incremental, phased expansion of the existing stadium, up to a total maximum capacity of 34,000 seats, built as additional upper tiers behind the existing seating bowl.

The design of the new proposals has been inspired by the history of Millwall Football Club and its surroundings. The use of brickwork arches references the railway viaducts and industrial past that surround the current site, and also those at Millwall Park, which was home to the club on the Isle of Dogs over one hundred years ago. Internally, as much of the original stadium infrastructure as possible will be kept.

An artist’s impression of how the expanded stadium would look (image: AFL Architects)

The club said that adding the expansion would not only provide the facilities needed to meet Premier League requirements – such as additional media and player accommodation – but also provide enhanced facilities for fans’ matchday experience.

Part of the proposal is the creation of a new public plaza in New Bermondsey, elevated over parking and service areas that accommodates retail, commercial and community use spaces. In addition, there would be commercial space for events and conferencing, alongside residential developments. 

Millwall moved to its current stadium, The Den, in 1993. At the time, it took on the obligation of providing facilities for the Millwall Community Trust (MCT). While that obligation no longer exists, the club also plans to incorporate new facilities for the MCT including a sports centre with a sports hall, changing rooms, a gym and a community café.

Steve Kavanagh, Millwall’s chief executive, said: “It has been a long and at times difficult journey to this point, but we are delighted with progress now. As long as we can secure an appropriate new lease, we can play our part in the growth and development of Millwall Football Club and its community. Over time we will bring our stadium up to Premier League standards while ensuring that our presence in Lewisham is sustainable and that we remain a force for good.”