Fulham FC's new Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage has been documented in an extraordinary series of photographs charting its five-year evolution.
Local photographer, Charles Pinder, has captured every stage of the transformation of the historic stretch of the river with his iPhone.
The former Daily Mirror snapper charted the stand's evolution on regular walks between Hammersmith and Putney bridges to show his daughter, who was studying architecture at Glasgow university.
"In lockdown I spent every day walking along the towpath, and watched the evolution of the stand," said Charles Pinder. "In the early months, on matchdays, you could see the ball flying into the air!"
The result – a magnificent series of pictures, telling the story of the project. His favourite image – the one of the completed stand reflected in the river.
"A real game changer"
The stand has opened up the Thames walk as an important amenity. Our Fulham blogger, Morgan Phillips, says: "There's now a seamless link between the park and the riverside path."
When all internal work is finished, and every seat occupied, the stand will add 8,000 to the stadium's capacity, taking it to nearly 29,000.
Started in the first Covid lockdown, the project has altered the skyline of a stadium that has been Fulham's home since 1896 and is, "a real game-changer," says club chairman Shahid Khan.
The development has delivered significant community benefits, with £1million invested in Bishop's Park improvements and a new riverside walkway that's transformed the Thames Path experience.
Where pedestrians once faced a detour around the ground, there's now a generous waterfront promenade stretching 6-11 meters wide over the river. It's open to all except on match days when it's needed for crowd control.
Meanwhile, the new restaurants in the seven-tier structure are due to open by Christmas.
And the fans' view?
Fulham fan, Septuagenarian David Heaton, recently experienced the Riverside Stand. He reported:
"We arrived rather late at 2.40pm, but access was queue-less and easy. The downstairs area is spacious and upmarket; not like a football ground at all.
"There was a fantastic view of the pitch, the game and – as a bonus – a great view of London, including the top of Stamford Bridge!"
As a six-footer, David found the legroom good, with the plastic seats much easier than the tiny wooden seats of yesteryear in the Grade ll listed Johnny Haynes Stand.
The lower tier of the Riverside opened in 2022, although season tickets start at £2,500, compared to £600 in other parts of the ground.
