Peckham Town FC to get stadium revamp

A football club denied promotion four times because its changing rooms are too small is set for a home ground revamp so the team may finally rise up the divisions.

Peckham Town FC’s home ground in Dulwich Common would be fitted with new, larger changing rooms, as well as separate toilets for players and spectators as part of the improvements.

The men’s first team has been dreaming of going up the divisions for years so that it is eligible to enter the FA Cup.

But the tournament has so far remained out of reach because of the limited facilities at the club’s home ground, which bar it from promotion.

Bosses hope the planned renovation of the London Borough of Southwark Sports Ground will now mean the team can finally secure its long-postponed promotion.

Planning documents submitted to Southwark council read: “As existing, spectators have to use the same toilet facilities as players within the existing clubhouse. This is far from ideal, and as the club seeks to progress further up the football pyramid, not permitted as spectator and player facilities must be separate.

“The changing room facilities at the higher leagues the club seeks to play in require a minimum size changing room. The existing facilities do not meet these requirements and so it is proposed to provide a new set of changing facilities with showers and toilets for away teams that do meet the spatial requirements.

“The aim now is to get promoted at least one step further, and be able to enter the FA Cup – when the dream of Arsenal away and Wembley is a possibility.”

Seating in the club’s stand will also be replaced under the plans to make it meet requirements.

The current benches on metal frames will be disposed of in favour of tip-up seats. One end of the stand will be extended so that it can accommodate the planned 105 seats.

A new covered terrace stand for up to 50 spectators will also be added, as part of the upgrade. The structure will be located at the end of the ground meeting Dulwich Park, which currently doesn’t have any shelter.

Peckham Town FC was founded in 1982 by then 13-year-old Bryan Hall. Mr Hall, who remains the club’s chairman today, advertised the team’s first session with a poster stuck to a tree in Peckham Rye. Just four players turned up to the first meeting.

Today, the men’s first team play in the Premier Division of the Kent County League, the seventh step of non-league football. They are managed by former England international footballer Mary Phillip.

Southwark council will make a decision on the planning application at a later date.

Pictured top: Peckham Town FC’s home ground in Dulwich Common could get a revamp (Picture: Google Street View)