Chelsea’s Earls Court Stadium Move Back on Agenda with Potential Government Funding

Chelsea’s plans to relocate from Stamford Bridge to a new stadium at Earls Court could be revived, with potential government backing to fund redevelopment.

Original Source
The Sun
Written by
Craig 'Tosh' McKinnon
1 Feb
16:47
Club News

The1905.Club Summary

Chelsea are once again considering a move to Earls Court, a site previously explored as a potential location for a new 60,000-seater stadium. The idea was scrapped in 2018 due to former owner Roman Abramovich’s visa issues, but recent developments suggest the move could be back on the table. Government support, similar to the funding plan for Manchester United’s proposed new 100,000-seater stadium, could help finance Chelsea’s move, allowing Hammersmith and Fulham Council to use the Stamford Bridge site for housing development. However, the Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), who own the freehold of Stamford Bridge, would need to approve any relocation. Manchester United’s stadium project has gained government support as part of a regeneration initiative, and a similar plan could be put forward for Chelsea. However, the current redevelopment plans for Earls Court do not include provisions for a football stadium, meaning negotiations and approvals would be required.

Key Points

  • Chelsea are reconsidering a move to Earls Court, with government funding potentially aiding redevelopment.
  • A new 60,000-seater stadium was initially planned in 2015 but was abandoned in 2018 due to Abramovich’s visa issues.
  • The current Stamford Bridge site could be used for housing if Chelsea relocate, aligning with local council plans.
  • The Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO) must approve any move, as they hold the freehold to Stamford Bridge.
  • Manchester United’s proposed £2bn stadium has government backing, potentially setting a precedent for Chelsea’s project.
  • Earls Court redevelopment plans currently lack stadium provisions, requiring further negotiations.

With the government looking to support major stadium projects, Chelsea’s long-discussed move from Stamford Bridge may now have a fresh chance of becoming reality.

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Getty
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Written by 
Craig 'Tosh' McKinnon
Co-founder of The1905Club. A life long Chelsea fan and season ticket holder for over twenty years. Now residing in Poland, this doesn't stop Tosh from watching every minute of every game.
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