Member Article

Chelsea FC in consultation to achieve Abramovich’s £500m 60,000 Stamford Bridge vision

Recently crowned Premier League champions Chelsea have begun consultation on plans to increase their stadium capacity to seat 60,000 people, which could see Stamford Bridge close for upto two years whilst construction is completed.

Expanding the stadium significantly enough to seat 60,000 people would include the need to dig down below the current pitch level, in order to accommodate the increased number of seats.

However, club owner Roman Abramovich is reportedly prepared to increase the current capacity of 41,798 in a project expected to total £500m.

A study of the Fulham Broadway and Stamford Bridge area was commissioned by owner Roman Abramovich last year to examine the potential of upgrading the streetscape.

A club statement read: “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.