Fulham on Wednesday confirmed work on their £100million project to redevelop the Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage will begin this summer.
Owner Shahid Khan always maintained the redevelopment, which will increase the capacity of Craven Cottage to around 30,000, would not be affected by relegation.
The plans will see the existing stand demolished and replaced by a new two-tier structure.
Fulham have previously estimated the project will take two years to complete and they will spend two seasons with just three sides of Craven Cottage open during the redevelopment.
Khan said: “I am delighted to now be able to formally announce that our work on the Riverside Stand development will begin in earnest this summer.
"I understand today’s announcement was many years in the making, but the right thing for all parties was to be deliberate, collaborative and thorough. I thank our supporters for their patience. The wait will be worth it.
“Craven Cottage is a unique and inspiring venue to not only play football, but to visit. It has always been my intention to follow through with the development of the Riverside Stand, and today’s news brings that intention to reality.
"The Riverside development will be a location like no other, a real game-changer for Fulham Football Club."
