Fratton Park expansion: What’s the latest on Portsmouth FC’s stadium plans?

Pompey chief Andrew Cullen has consistently maintained that Portsmouth remain committed to a long-term expansion of Fratton Park — but what is the current reality?

Early proposals under the Eisner ownership were estimated at around £12m. However, with further upgrades introduced in 2024, the overall investment surpassed £15m, according to The News.

Those improvements were designed to ensure the club had the infrastructure required for Championship football — a goal they have now achieved. Yet the most significant long-term ambition remains a potential redevelopment of the North Stand.

Speaking in December, Cullen told The News that progress on the North Stand depends on the outcome of a feasibility study. That study centres on plans for a new footbridge at Fratton railway station and the regeneration of nearby land — areas largely beyond the club’s direct control.

The project involves three primary stakeholders: Portsmouth FC, the Pompey Centre and Portsmouth City Council, with Network Rail playing a key role in design and engineering.

Cullen said the feasibility work was “approaching its conclusion” and expected results early in the New Year. However, no formal update has yet been announced.

He has previously dismissed claims that meaningful redevelopment would not take place until 2035, describing that timeline as inaccurate when questioned last year.

In the meantime, Fratton Park has already seen notable changes. The Milton End has been partially rebuilt, adding 3,115 seats, while the South Stand’s ‘hanging basket’ section was removed to create a continuous tier. Improvements have also included a new TV gantry and upgraded hospitality areas such as the Victory Lounge.

For now, expansion remains dependent on the feasibility findings and several external factors. With Championship survival the immediate priority, the club appears to be letting the off-field process unfold in the background.

What is clear is that Portsmouth’s leadership insist the 2035 narrative does not reflect their plans — and once the footbridge situation is resolved, they believe they will be well positioned to move forward quickly with the North Stand project.