Chelsea are reportedly discussing the possibility of building a new stadium at Earls Court rather than renovating Stamford Bridge, and the company in charge of the site has made its vision clear.
The west London side have been looking to redevelop their former home and increase the capacity of their ground for several years, with plans to seriously revamp following the club’s takeover in 2022 by co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
A large-scale redevelopment of their current stadium is believed to be the club’s first option, after Chelsea completed the £80m purchase of 100 military veterans’ homes on a neighbouring site in April.
The purchase of the land was described at the time by chief executive Jason Gannon as “a significant step towards ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the club” but has by no means guaranteed that Chelsea will maintain their current footprint.
According to The GuardianThe club has been considering the alternative option of moving a mile north to Earls Court.
Chelsea are reportedly in talks with interested parties to build their new stadium at Earls Court
The west London club have long been hoping to upgrade and increase the capacity of their current stadium, Stamford Bridge.
In April, Chelsea completed the purchase of Stoll Mansions for £80m.
Discussions are said to have been held between the club and Transport for London (TfL), one of the partners that looks after the site, and property developers Delancey.
But a major hurdle is the wishes of the Earls Court Development Committee, which is due to submit its masterplan for the redevelopment of the site to Hammersmith and Fulham councils and the Royal Boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea later this week.
“There is no plan within our plans for Chelsea FC to move to the Earls Court site,” the committee said.
‘We have a fully detailed design, which will shortly be registered with both local authorities, which prioritises the delivery of thousands of homes and jobs, culture and open spaces through a well-designed and considered masterplan that has evolved over four years of engagement.’
If the committee’s plan is approved, Chelsea will be forced to start from scratch again.
However, Chelsea’s hopes of a convenient move to the new site could be kept alive if the council rejects the proposal, which could prompt the club to submit its own plan for the area, including a multi-use football stadium at the site’s Lillie Bridge depot and the possibility of more affordable housing in the area.
If the ECDC is unsuccessful in its submission of the masterplan, Chelsea are believed to be hoping to pay £500m for Earls Court.
Factors such as the complexity of the work required to increase capacity and modernise Stamford Bridge are leading the Premier League side to consider other options.
The distance between the sites is only about a mile, which might help make it more appealing to fans.
Any plans for renovation or upgrades could be put on hold amid suggestions of an internal conflict between co-controlling owners Todd Boehly (left) and Clearlake Capital (director Behdad Eghbali pictured right).
One of the biggest hurdles is Stamford Bridge’s proximity to the tube line and Fulham Broadway station, and the club would likely have to contend with a renovation of every stand that could keep them in a temporary home for several years.
Twickenham, Wembley and nearby Craven Cottage (the ground owned by Premier League rivals Fulham) have all been talked about as possible short-term homes.
But while talks have been positive between the club, TfL and Delancey, internal problems in west London could provide yet more obstacles in Chelsea’s quest for a redeveloped ground.
The relationship between Boehly and Clearlake boss Behdad Eghbali has reportedly been strained in recent months, with the co-controlling owners clashing over a number of sticking points, including the post-season sacking of head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Both Boehly and Clearlake are believed to be interested in buying out the other’s share of their partnership, but Mail Sport previously revealed the latter entity has no intention of selling its stake.
Clearlake is the majority shareholder with 61.5 percent, while Boehly splits the remaining 38.5 percent with two other investors.