Fulham's Plans To Expand Craven Cottage Gain Approval

League Championship side Fulham's plans to expand Craven Cottage were approved, "opening the way for work to begin" in the summer of '19, according to the BBC. Hammersmith & Fulham Council approved proposals that will increase the capacity of the stadium from 25,700 to 29,600. Fulham will redevelop the Riverside Stand and open a "riverside walk" along the adjacent River Thames. The work will include "a second tier added to the stand as well as shops, cafes and nine short-stay apartments." Club Chair Shahid Khan said, "Our goal for a brighter future for Fulham Football Club, the neighborhood, our borough and all of London is now at our doorstep." The plans, which were first announced in '11, were submitted in '12 and given planning permission in '13 (BBC, 3/21). In London, Simon Johnson reported it is understood that the scheme will cost the club "in the region of" £80M ($112.8M) and is "hoped to be finished" by '21 (EVENING STANDARD, 3/21).