Blues explore possible Bridge expansion

Chelsea have announced they are exploring the feasibility of expanding Stamford Bridge.

Having failed to reclaim the freehold of the 109-year-old ground, and with options for a possible relocation limited, the club are now looking at alternative plans.

In a statement, the club said that a study, commissioned by owner Roman Abramovich, 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.”

The statement added: “The study will also assess the feasibility of an expansion of the stadium within the existing historic site boundaries, potentially to enlarge its capacity, enhance its facilities and improve the movement of people and vehicles on match and non-matchdays.

“As a first step, a consultation will take place with local stakeholders, including community and residents’ groups, for opinions on the existing conditions in the area.

“The consultation will not concern itself with any design or details of a 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 feasible redevelopment.”

Fan-led company Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO) purchased the Stamford Bridge freehold in 1997 in order to secure the future of the club’s historic home, where the capacity is currently 41,837.

An attempt by Abramovich to buy back the freehold, which was seen as a precursor to a move from the Bridge, failed when only 61.5% of shareholders in CPO backed the proposal in a vote in October 2011 – significantly less than the 75% required.

 

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