Chelsea's stadium expansion plans could mean up to 3 years away from Stamford Bridge

Premier League champions Chelsea have made no secrets of their ambitions to expand their stadium that currently has a maximum capacity of 41,798. The latest plans for the expansion of the stadium could see this number go up to 60,000.

There are however two ways to do this –

The club could expand while playing their home matches at Stamford Bridge. This could be possible if the renovation is done by sections but it would mean that the Blues would play in front of a reduced audience for up to four years.

The second option is a temporary move away from Stamford Bridge, while the club would work towards expanding the stadium. The project could cost nearly £500million over three years and would most likely have to be funded by the owner Roman Abramovich.

The club are believed to be considering digging below street level to facilitate the increase in capacity at their iconic London home ground.

The club will reveal its proposals for the expansion between June 30 and July 2 during a consultation meeting with local residents and fans.

While there is no confirmation on the option that the club will take, if they do have to temporarily move away from Stamford Bridge, they could go to Twickenham (England’s National Rugby Stadium) or Wembley.

Considering the location of both the grounds, they could both be viable options.

Challenges for Chelsea

The Blues have in the past considered building an entirely new stadium and even scouted locations such as Earl’s Court, Battersea Power Station and White City as viable locations. However, none of the plans materialised.

Chelsea’s stadium stands in the confines of 12 acres while their desired expansion would require close to 20 acres. To add to the complex situation, they would have to navigate the railway lines that line some areas of Stamford Bridge.

Mr. Abramovich last year commissioned a study of the areas around Stamford Bridge so that the possibility of developing both the stadium and the streetscape around it can be explored.

The Club statement

The club explained that none of the actions would be in immediate effect but internal talks have been going on for a plan that would manifest itself over ten years.

An official club statement read: “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 club seems to have collected immense data from research and could possibly be seeking to gauge the response of their stakeholders.

The statement added: “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.

“Local stakeholders, neighbours, season ticket holders and club members will be invited to comment on the potential expansion. This feedback, which to date has assisted our progress in earlier stages, will continue to inform the next stage of the study.”