Chelsea make major step towards Stamford Bridge redevelopment
Chelsea Football Club has received approval to purchase houses from military veterans, signaling their intention to redevelop Stamford Bridge. The club has reached an agreement with the charity ‘Stoll’ to acquire properties near their iconic stadium in west London. This move is part of a planned £2 billion expansion project for their current 40,341-capacity home.
While the purchase is subject to resident consultation, Chelsea will acquire the Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions site located behind Stamford Bridge. It is expected that 50 existing properties will be retained, while new homes with improved facilities will be constructed. The final decision on the redevelopment may take up to nine weeks, with the outcome likely to be announced in autumn.
Following Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s £4.25 billion acquisition of the club in May 2022, funds have been set aside for the redevelopment. Boehly is believed to have allocated money specifically for the development around the stadium.
Previously, Chelsea had considered relocating from their current location, with Earl’s Court being mentioned as a potential site. However, these plans were rejected in April, resulting in the club remaining at their current location. The proposed expansion could increase Stamford Bridge’s capacity to 60,000, but it may also require the team to play their matches elsewhere for up to four years. Potential alternative venues include Wembley, Twickenham, and Fulham’s Craven Cottage. More information regarding this matter is expected to be revealed in due course.
Chelsea have taken a major step towards redeveloping Stamford Bridge, their iconic home of more than a century, after the club lodged a planning application with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
If given the go ahead, the ambitious proposal could transform the current 41,000 capacity stadium into a state-of-the-art facility that would be both modern and rich in heritage.
The application includes an expansion of the pitch to around 105 meters by 68 meters – the Premier League-minimum requirement – as well as a single tier stand that extends for almost the full length of the pitch, and that would break the record for the tallest stand in the division.
The redeveloped ground would have a capacity of around 63,000, making it the ninth biggest in the country, and the increased facilities would benefit match day fans, local residents and the club itself alike.
As well as more legroom and wider seats, the stadium would also have improved and upgraded hospitality, retail and leisure spaces, including an interactive exhibition, The Chelsea Story, where visitors can explore the club’s history and achievements.
The project is expected to cost in the region of £500 million, and will be funded through the sale of some of the existing historic buildings, and from commercial and residential developments.
The project has been met with widespread support, including from Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck. He said: “Everyone connected with Chelsea Football Club is very excited at the prospect of redeveloping our historic home. This application demonstrates our ambitions to ensure that the new stadium integrates with the local community.”
The club are yet to set a timeframe for the project, though with building work expected to start as early as 2019 they’re hopeful the new stadium may be ready by the 2022/23 season.