Fratton Park expansion? Everything we know about situation at Portsmouth FC | OneFootball

CEO Andy Cullen has always reiterated that the Hampshire club remain committed to a long-term expansion

Pompey chief Cullen has always reiterated that the Hampshire club remain committed to a long-term Fratton Park expansion, but what do we actually know?

Initial plans outlined by the Eisner ownership were costed at around £12m, but the scale of the project meant total investment pushed beyond £15m as further upgrades were added in 2024, as per The News.

Said upgrades were so Pompey had the infrastructure to go into the Championship, which they’re obviously now in, but the most eye-catching long-term aspect still remains a potential North Stand expansion.

What Portsmouth FC chief Andrew Cullen has said about the North Stand

Back in December, Cullen stressed to The News that the North Stand project hinges on the outcome of a feasibility study, involving a new footbridge at Fratton railway station and the wider regeneration of the surrounding land.

At the same time, he cautioned that much of the process is outside the club’s direct control.

He explained that the study involves three main investors - the club themselves, the Pompey Centre and Portsmouth City Council - with Network Rail heavily involved on the design and engineering side as well.

Cullen claimed that the feasibility work is “approaching its conclusion” and that the club expects to “begin to see results early in the New Year” - but the New Year has been and gone without any confirmation of results, yet.

The CEO had previously pushed back strongly against suggestions that meaningful North Stand redevelopment will not happen until 2035, branding that timeline "not true" when concerns were raised in 2024.

But after their home clash with Ipswich Town was called off for the second time in a month, Pompey might need to focus on the pitch condition first.

When the Fratton Park expansion could be likely for Portsmouth FC

Firstly, while the discussion around expansion rightly focuses on future capacity, Fratton Park has already undergone a fair bit of transformation, as previoulsy mentioned.

The Milton End has been partially demolished and rebuilt, delivering a more modern away end. In terms of numbers, the 'new Milton End' saw 3,115 seats added - according to The Football Ground Guide.

Elsewhere, Pompey removed the old ‘hanging basket’ section in the South Stand to create a single continuous tier, and other additional projects included a new TV gantry, and the refurbishment of hospitality areas like the Victory Lounge.

Ultimately, Cullen has framed the current phase as a waiting game on the feasibility work but also acknowledged that there are lots of other conditions to satisfy before full-scale expansion can be signed off.

In that context, it is understandable if the club’s day-to-day focus right now is on securing Championship safety - while the off-field process runs its course in the background. What is clear is that the narrative of nothing happening until 2035 does not align with the club’s messaging.