Chelsea's Stamford Bridge to undergo large development changes
Chelsea are taking the next steps towards the long-awaited redevelopment of Stamford Bridge by starting to put together an elite team of specialists.
The Blues had intended to upgrade Stamford Bridge before now, with designs overseen by former owner Roman Abramovich receiving planning permission back in 2018.
The original timeline for that project, which would have seen the stadium grow to a 60,000 capacity with the architecture said to be inspired by London’s iconic Westminster Abbey, expected completion in April 2021. But it never actually got underway and the planning permission has since expired.
Chelsea are in desperate need of a bigger home. Stamford Bridge’s current 40,000-capacity pales into insignificance compared to the rest of the Premier League’s big clubs, all of whom have stadiums ranging from 53,000 to 74,000. It means Chelsea are missing out on substantial additional revenue.
A Stamford Bridge redevelopment was actually an integral part of the recent takeover led by chairman Todd Boehly. The overall figure attached to the takeover was £4.25bn, but inclusive of a pledge to invest £1.75bn in the stadium and other future infrastructure.
The Times has reported that Janet Marie Smith, a leading specialist who has previously worked on Fenway Park and Dodger Stadium – two of baseball’s most iconic venues, has already been recruited to work alongside London-based architects.
Smith has a reputation for modernising stadiums but still incorporating historical features. That could be a big plus when it comes to retaining the original character of a stadium that has stood since 1876 and has been part of Chelsea’s identity since 1905.
Chelsea co-owner Jonathan Goldstein, part of the Boehly-led consortium, is also lending his expertise as a property tycoon and has presented possible options to the board already.
The full range of options are to be considered for the project, which includes rebuilding Stamford Bridge a stand at a time, demolishing the existing stadium and starting again from the ground up, or moving to a brand new site entirely.
Liverpool are well into the process of redeveloping Anfield a stand at a time, while Tottenham rebuilt a new home on the same site as their old White Hart Lane, whereas Arsenal built the Emirates Stadium on a new site.
To completely leave Stamford Bridge, Chelsea would need permission from Chelsea Pitch Owners, the company that holds the freehold Stamford Bridge is leased on. The alternative is potentially having to surrender the name Chelsea FC. Abramovich tried and failed to do that in 2011.