Chelsea Exploring Move to New Stadium

Chelsea FC is currently considering a move out of Stamford Bridge as they have a bigger venue, and have considered Earl’s Court. The club’s present home venue is a 40,343 seater which is perceived as small by the new owners who want to expand the seating capacity. However, there are problems associated with the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge, for instance, its proximity to a tube line, which made Chelsea look for a new site in west London.

The club has had discussions with Transport for London (TfL) and Delancey, a property company with stakes on the Earl’s Court project. At present, the Earl’s Court Development Committee (ECDC) intends to build a new mixed-use development, which will include both commercial and residential premises, but no football stadium. The master plan of the ECDC will be unveiled next week to the councils of Hammersmith and Fulham and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. However, in case of granting the planning permission, may pose a big hurdle to Chelsea’s plans. Nevertheless, if the master plan is viewed as unprofitable, a multi-use football stadium becomes much more advantageous, particularly if Chelsea’s plan involves construction of low-cost housing on the site.

 Chelsea is said to have contacted the Lillie Bridge depot for a new stadium and has also planned for the development. The chief executive of the club, Jason Gannon, has had fruitful meetings with both TfL and Delancey. However, the club would still require consent from the Chelsea Pitch Owners, which is the group that owns the freehold of Stamford Bridge and hence possesses the right to prevent the club from moving away from the historical venue.

The possible transfer has not deterred Chelsea from continuing to play at the Stamford Bridge. There has been little development in the redeveloping of the current ground. The club has thought about a stand-by-stand rebuild, but this would probably mean that Chelsea will have to play at a temporary stadium, for instance, Wembley, for several years. In anticipation of any redevelopment, Chelsea has bought a 1. 2-acre site next to Stamford Bridge from Stoll, a housing charity for the ex-armed forces personnel.

If Chelsea were to relocate to Earl’s Court, they would have to bid for the land which is said to be worth half a billion pounds. The owners of the club have the desire to construct one of the largest and most modern stadiums in the country to increase revenues.

Nevertheless, potential conflict among Chelsea’s co-owners may be as an issue. The latest development is that the major stakeholders, Clearlake Capital, and Todd Boehly, are apparently in a disagreement and looking for the possibility of acquiring each other out.

An ECDC official said the organization has no intention of Chelsea FC moving to Earl’s Court but only to provide homes, jobs, culture, and open space through the master plan which is expected to start development in 2026 with the first residents and occupiers expected in 2030.

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