04 May 2012
Chelsea FC submits bid for Battersea Power Station site
BY Pete Hayman
Image: CFC could build a new stadium at the site
Chelsea Football Club (CFC) and property development partner Almacantar have submitted a bid to buy London's Battersea Power Station site with a view to building a new stadium.
The Premier League club confirmed its joint bid had been lodged in accordance with a sales process established by the site's joint administrators from Ernst and Young.
In November, it was first suggested that CFC was eyeing Battersea Power Station as the site for a new stadium, with Kohn Pedersen Fox tasked with drawing up plans for the scheme.
The announcement that a bid for the site has been submitted comes more than a month after the club said an expansion of its Stamford Bridge home had "little chance" of success.
And last month, CFC chair Bruce Buck told the IHT Sports Business Summit in Turkey that - although the club had no plans to move - revamping its current venue was not viable.
CFC's initial plans for the Battersea site include the restoration of the four iconic chimneys and the Grade II*-listed west turbine hall, as well as a 60,000-seat stadium.
A 15,000-seat one-tier stand behind the south goal - one of the largest stands of its kind in football - also forms part of the plans, as well as retail, accommodation and office elements.
A CFC spokesperson said: "Battersea Power Station is one of London's most famous buildings and has the potential to become one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world.
"We must also stress that making an offer for the Battersea Power Station site does not mean the club has made a definitive decision to leave Stamford Bridge."
Details: www.chelseafc.com
Image: David Samuel
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