Chelsea may have to relocate for up to three years if they are to seriously pursue the idea of expanding Stamford Bridge. The Blues are planning to meet with local residents and fans at an Stamford Bridge exhibition running from June 30 to July 2. It is in the exhibition where they will reveal their plans.
Chelsea want to expand their capacity to fit 60,000 fans; they would have to do so by digging below street level. It is a process that could last up to three year and it would mean that Chelsea play their home games in another stadium. Twickenham and Wembley are being considered by the Chelsea board with discussion already being held with the Rugby Football Union’s Ian Ritchie.
Another option would be to continue playing at the Bridge but with a reduced capacity. This would also mean that the expansion could take up to four years to finish. Whatever option they decide to take, Roman Abramovich will have to fully fund the project with early projection estimation a cost of £500 million.
Another obstacle in the expansion is the size of the ground. Their current site is 12 acres and a 60,000 stadium is normally built on 20 acres of land. Chelsea admit that their plans are very much in the early stages and do not envisage playing in the new Stamford Bridge for another ten years.
Chelsea released a statement regarding these developments:
“A year ago a study of the area from Fulham Broadway to Stamford Bridge and beyond was commissioned by Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich to examine the potential of upgrading the streetscape.
“The study also began to assess the feasibility of an expansion of the stadium capacity within the existing historical site boundary, based on the principles of improving site access, benefiting the neighbourhood and enhancing the spectator experience.
“Mr Abramovich has appointed a professional team to assess, in more detail, the feasibility of expanding the existing stadium capacity at Stamford Bridge Grounds.
“The process now enters a further local consultation phase. This will include an explanation of the rationale for expansion, driven by spectator demand for more seats and the need to increase stadium revenue to remain competitive with our major rivals, this revenue being especially important under Financial Fair Play rules.
“Technical solutions for stadium capacity expansion are being investigated initially.
“This stage of the consultation will focus at present on discussing the rationale and technical solutions for expansion with residents and match-going spectators.”
