Chelsea announce Battersea stadium bid

Chelsea have announced plans to build a 60,000-seater stadium after bidding for the 39-acre Battersea Power Station site.

There has been clamour from some supporters for the Blues to remain at Stamford Bridge but the club are unable to expand the current stadium for a host of reasons, one being planning permission.

Battersea Power Station site

The new ground would hold a larger capacity and is not too far from Stamford Bridge, although the club have admitted that no decision has been made on their current home.

Chelsea have pursued plans to move to the nearby area but admitted that no definite decision on the future of their current ground has yet been made.

A statement on their official website reads: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm to our fans that we have today [Friday] submitted an offer, with our property development partner Almacantar, to acquire the 39-acre Battersea Power Station site.

“Battersea Power Station is one of London's most famous buildings and has the potential to become one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world.

Battersea Power Station site

“We are not the only interested parties and there is no certainty that we will be successful.“Our joint bid was submitted in accordance with the sales process established by the Joint Administrators for the site. The process could run for a number of months.

“We also appreciate that we have many significant hurdles to address if we are to build a new stadium on the site, including winning the support of our fans, the CPO shareholders and local Wandsworth residents, as well as securing the approval of Wandsworth Council, the Greater London Authority and heritage authorities.

“We must also stress that making an offer for the Battersea Power Station site does not mean the club has made a definitive decision to leave Stamford Bridge.

“The four iconic chimneys and wash towers along with the Grade II* listed west turbine hall and control room will be restored and retained in their original locations and provide a unique architectural backdrop to a world-class stadium with a capacity of around 60,000 seats.”

One of the key aspects of the new ground follows pleas from fans to improve the atmosphere by building a one-tier stand similar to that of the Kop at Anfield.

Borussia Dortmund’s Sudtribune stand at Westfalenstadion, which holds 25,000, is currently the largest in the world, a capacity which the Blues are hoping to replicate.

“Following feedback from fans, our initial plans include a 15,000-all seated one-tier stand behind the south goal, likely to be the biggest one-tier stand in football,” the statement continued.

“As well as a new home for our club, the development would include a town centre with substantial street-level retail shops, affordable housing and offices - all of which would benefit Wandsworth and bring a significant number of permanent jobs to the area.“Also as suggested by many fans, the stadium proposed is rectangular in shape with four separate stands. The design includes a bigger family area and more room for disabled supporters.

“We would also make a significant contribution towards the Northern Line Extension, a new high-volume transport link proposed for the area.”