Soccer

Chelsea launch their plan to rebuild Stamford Bridge

Premier League champions want a new 60,000 capacity ground on their old site

A computer generated image of what the new 60,000-seater Stamford Bridge will look like
A computer generated image of what the new 60,000-seater Stamford Bridge will look like
Wed Dec 02 2015 - 01:00

Chelsea have submitted a planning application to rebuild Stamford Bridge into a 60,000-seat stadium. The Premier League champions have consulted widely over the redevelopment of their west London home, which currently has a capacity of 41,600.

And a statement on the club’s official website yesterday confirmed plans would be submitted to Hammersmith and Fulham council.

“A planning application for a new stadium at Stamford Bridge with an expanded seating capacity has been submitted,” the statement read.

“This follows a successful consultation process during which we received very helpful feedback.”

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Woeful start

The Chelsea owner,

Roman Abramovich

, who bought the club in 2003, would finance the work, which has an estimated cost of £500 million. The planning application was submitted by Abramovich’s Fordstam company on November 19th, Hammersmith and Fulham council said.

It is confirmation of Abramovich’s commitment to the club, despite a woeful start to the season that has led to Chelsea being only 14th in the league after 14 games. There is plenty to do before a new stadium becomes a reality, not least finding a temporary home for perhaps three seasons.

The build would be complicated and more lengthy in duration if Chelsea were to remain on site, adding to the cost. Both Chelsea and Tottenham, who are building a new stadium at White Hart Lane, have reportedly been in discussions with the FA about playing games at Wembley.

Chelsea have also considered Twickenham, home of the Rugby Football Union, as a temporary home. Chelsea had looked at sites including Battersea Power Station, but concluded their ideal arena could be created on the present site.

Chelsea believe the history of Stamford Bridge is with the site, rather than the stadium itself. The build would be complex and involve excavation, with the plan to lower the arena into the ground to achieve the capacity on a 12-acre site. The site is bordered by two train lines which must be built over.

Chelsea warned supporters to be patient, with the planning process expected to last beyond this season.