Chelsea Consider Move To Battersea
Chelsea have confirmed that a new stadium at Battersea Power Station is under consideration, as Roman Abramovich seeks to escape the confines of Stamford Bridge in search of a home that can provide greater commercial revenue.
The stadium, which would have a capacity well in excess of 50,000, would mean a move of just over three miles from the club’s longstanding home. Though Chelsea could not move without securing the freehold of Stamford Bridge from Chelsea Pitch Owners, the fans’ group who refused to sell the land back to the club last month, they have appointed an architecture firm to draw up plans for the move.
‘In the past, we’ve talked to various people with interests in Battersea Power Station, but we haven’t had any substantive discussions with anyone regarding that site for several months,’ a Chelsea spokesman told the BBC.
‘However, in light of current developments, we now think it prudent to look again at the feasibility and potential for the BPS site to be developed for a football stadium.
‘We have made no decision to leave Stamford Bridge, and we continue to discuss with the local council any economically viable options to expand the the Bridge, but we will continue to investigate various options close to Stamford Bridge.’
The club has also had a long interest in a potential stadium build at Earls Court as it seeks to compete with the far superior matchday revenues of Premier League rivals such as Arsenal and Manchester United.
