Dulwich Hamlet FC’s historic Champion Hill Stadium, a cornerstone of south London football for 123 years, is finally set for a major redevelopment after Southwark Council approved plans to transform the site into a modern grassroots-level venue with associated community benefits.
The decision paves the way for the demolition of the old facilities and construction of a brand-new stadium alongside housing and public sports space, securing the non-league club’s future in its home borough.
The approved plans include the erection of a new 4,000-capacity stadium with an all-weather pitch, floodlighting, a three-storey clubhouse building with sports and leisure facilities, and wider site enhancements that underline Dulwich Hamlet’s long-term role in the community.
As part of the broader scheme, the redevelopment will also deliver 219 new homes in the area surrounding Champion Hill, addressing housing needs while enabling investment in the club’s infrastructure.
Southwark Council confirmed that the neighbouring Greendale Playing Fields will remain protected green space, ensuring that open areas for informal recreation and biodiversity are preserved even as the project moves forward.
Local councillors have described the approval as a significant moment for both the club and the wider community.
Deputy Cabinet Member Richard Leeming said the decision supports Dulwich Hamlet’s heritage and culture while embracing the broader benefits of integrating sport, housing and community space in one development.
Redevelopment to secure club’s future and deliver facilities
The Champion Hill redevelopment has been in the planning system for several years, with Dulwich Hamlet securing initial planning permission back in February 2022 for a new stadium on the Greendale site.
Recent approvals, including the appropriation and disposal of land previously occupied by a derelict AstroTurf pitch, have unlocked stalled progress, allowing construction to begin on both the new stadium and ancillary community facilities.
The new stadium design focuses on sustainability and community access, offering a venue that can be used outside matchdays for hire and local events.
The all-weather pitch and floodlit site will better support grassroots sport in Southwark, reflecting how non-league football remains intertwined with local participation.
Alongside sporting facilities, the project’s integration of affordable and market-rate homes is seen as a boost for neighbourhood regeneration.
Residents and supporters alike have welcomed the approval as a balanced approach that respects the historic ground’s legacy while responding to modern housing and leisure needs.
Dulwich Hamlet, a club with deep roots in southeast London, has endured its fair share of off-field challenges, including past ownership disputes and ground uncertainties, but this key planning milestone provides clarity and momentum.
Community and heritage emphasis in redevelopment
Crucially, the project includes provisions for the community beyond football, with kickabout spaces and publicly available facilities ensuring that local residents benefit year-round.
Southwark Council’s assurance that substantial green space will remain untouched reflects the priority placed on environmental and recreational value for the area.
The housing component, delivering 219 homes of mixed tenure, is also expected to contribute to the borough’s wider development goals, potentially easing local shortages in a high-demand London borough.
While exact timetables for construction work have not yet been publicly disclosed, the planning approval marks a clear shift from uncertainty to action, giving fans and residents reason to believe that Champion Hill will soon enter a new era.
FGG Says
This is one of those rare stories where heritage and future potential align. Dulwich Hamlet’s Champion Hill has stood since the early 20th century as a community focal point, and now its redevelopment promises to secure that legacy while boosting local amenities and housing supply.
Balancing a new stadium with open space and homes shows forward-thinking planning, something too often lacking in football redevelopment debates. For a club of Dulwich Hamlet’s stature, this could be transformational, not just for the pitch but for its role at the heart of south London life.