Southwark Council has given its official approval for a transformative redevelopment of Dulwich Hamlet Football Club's historic Champion Hill stadium in south London.
A New Home for a Historic Club
The plans, which received the green light on Wednesday 7 January 2026, will see the old ground completely rebuilt into a modern, 4,000-seat stadium featuring a brand-new pitch and contemporary facilities. This decision is seen as a crucial move to secure the long-term future of the club, which has been a fixture in the borough for an impressive 123 years.
The current dilapidated astroturf surface will be replaced with a new all-weather pitch. Importantly, the council has confirmed that this main pitch will be available for public rental by the local community on non-matchdays. The wider development will also include a new public kickabout space.
Community and Housing Benefits
Councillor Richard Leeming, Deputy Cabinet member for Leisure & Sports, hailed the decision. He stated: ‘This is the most vital win of the season for Dulwich Hamlet FC, a cherished club in Southwark’s history and culture, who can now plan for a bright future supported by thousands of fans in a modern new stadium.’
He emphasised the community benefits, noting the access to facilities, new green spaces, and the provision of 219 new homes as part of the surrounding area development. The council also confirmed that the nearby Greendale Playing Fields will remain protected as open green space and will not be directly affected by the construction work.
Securing a Long-Term Future
Ben Clasper, Chairman of Dulwich Hamlet FC, described the council's approval for land disposal as ‘the final piece of a puzzle we have been trying to solve for many years’. He highlighted the dual aim of the project: to regenerate the local area with new housing and to secure the future of the community-focused football club.
‘With this approval,’ Clasper added, ‘the building of the new stadium will return the club to the site we were first able to call our own home more than a hundred years ago and the building of new homes will contribute to meeting the critical demand for housing in Southwark.’
The redevelopment of Champion Hill marks a significant new chapter for one of London's most historic non-league football institutions, promising enhanced facilities for fans and the local community alike.
