Chelsea have announced plans that could see Stamford Bridge enlarged to a 60,000 capicity from its previous 41,798.
The increase in capacity would see Chelsea have the Premier league’s third largest ground, behind Arsenal’s Emirates and Manchester United’s Old Trafford.
The plans have come after the club was accused by shareholders in CPO (Chelsea Pitch Owners)- a fan based company which owns the land at Stamford Bridge- of not looking into the possiblilty of staying put.
The blues were previously looking to move to nearby Battersea power station and Earls Court, however these options are no longer available.
Chelsea now believe that by utilising decking over the railway lines around the ground they could get round the obstacles that would stop the expansion. This would also reduce the pedestrian traffic on Fulham Road on matchdays. However the expansion has been said to have ‘little chance of acceptability’ by Hammersmith and Fulham council.
Chelsea have said that they will keep supporters informed of the progress of the study. The plan would increase matchday revenue, which would help with the financial fair play regulations.
chelsea’s statement in full
‘A study of the area from Fulham Broadway town centre to Stamford Bridge and beyond has been commisioned by Chelsea Football Club’s owner Roman Abramovich.
‘The study will review the potential for improvements to publicly owned areas along Fulham Road and the area around the football ground, including the possibility of decking over the railway lines to the east and north of the ground. This could create landscaped public walkways and cycleways, while reducing pedestrian traffic on Fulham Road on matchdays.
‘The study will also assess the feasability of an expansion of the stadium within the existing historic site boundaries, potentially to enlarge the capacity, enhance its facilities and improve the movement of people and vehicles on matchdays.
‘As a first step, a consultation will take place with local shareholders, including community and residents’ groups, for opinions on the existing consitions in the area.
‘The consultation will not concern itself with any design or details of redevelopment on the stadium site. Instead it will ask about the surrounding publicly owned areas and in particular the civic infrastructure necessary to ensure a successful and feasavle redevelopment.
‘We will keep the supporters informed of the study’s progress’.
Written by David McClelland
