Millwall are edging ever closer to expanding the Den, as Lewisham Council are set to approve a 999-year extension to the current lease of the ground.
Plans approved in January 2022 will allow for the construction of approximately 3,500 new homes on the land surrounding the football ground. Additionally, the stadium's capacity is set to increase from 20,000 to 34,000, which includes adding an extra tier of seats to the existing stands.
“Millwall Football Club welcomes the news that the initial planning application for the New Bermondsey redevelopment has been approved,” Millwall communications director Billy Taylor told the press.
“This is a significant step forward for what is a much-needed regeneration.”
The new lease agreement would unlock the ability to redevelop the area, named New Bermondsey, as the current lease prohibits such building work from going ahead.
Millwall's new stadium expansion
November 2024 update
On 31 July 2024, a revised New Bermondsey regeneration plan was approved, which includes building a new London Overground station and developing 3,500 homes near Millwall stadium. The developer, Renewal, may contribute up to £25 million for the station. Transport for London (Tfl) is exploring additional funding after the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) withdrew support for a planned station.
The number of affordable homes in the area has decreased from 1,200 to 1,100 due to increased financial commitments to transport infrastructure. Millwall Football Club has endorsed the revised master plan and highlighted their dedication to collaborating with the community and local stakeholders on the regeneration efforts.
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What will the New Den look like?
The image above showcases the impressive designs for the redeveloped stadium, known as the Den, once it is completed.
According to the architects behind the designs, the revamped stadium will include essential facilities, such as additional media and player accommodations, to meet the Premier League's entry requirements. This will allow the club to grow beyond its current status.
Additionally, the expansion will enhance facilities for supporters and create opportunities for the club to maximise revenue from corporate hospitality and other income streams.
The new stadium will also feature a public plaza, enabling the club to host events not just on match days but also for the new local community that will emerge from the additional housing being developed around the area.
Currently, the ground is located in a predominantly industrial zone, but these plans aim to completely revitalise the region.
A rocky road up to now
Getting the project plans to this stage has not been easy. The former mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, faced pressure to resign when the council announced its intention to reclaim land from the football club and transfer it to developers. In response, Millwall threatened to leave the borough of Lewisham. Since then, it appears that the club and council have been collaborating to find a new approach that will benefit both parties.
A new lease is vital for Millwall
That has led to the proposal for the new lease, which would allow Millwall to develop its ground alongside the building of the new homes.
“A revised lease structure has several benefits for the council, including enabling the development of much-needed housing and provision of a new community facility,” council documents read.
“Millwall are an important and valued stakeholder in the borough, providing jobs and driving spend and commercial activity, so a lease structure which supports development will, in turn, support the sustainability of Millwall and will further support jobs, employment and economic activity.”
It’s important to note that there is still a considerable amount of work before any concrete plans for starting the construction are announced. The project is large and complex, involving significant bureaucratic processes. Reports indicate that the construction could take several years to complete.