By ESPN staff
Chelsea have submitted a bid to acquire the Battersea Power Station site for the construction of a 60,000-seater stadium.
• Chelsea Pitch Owners make a stand
Chelsea made the announcement on Friday they and property development partner Almacantar were
hoping to acquire the 39 acres of land with a view to redeveloping the site should the Blues
relocate from Stamford Bridge.
The club's plans include preserving all the significant aspects of the power
station itself, including the four iconic chimneys and wash tower.
Chelsea said in a statement: "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.
"Our joint bid was submitted in accordance with the sales process established
by the joint administrators for the site. The process could run for a number of
months.
"We are not the only interested parties and there is no certainty that we will
be successful.''
Chelsea cannot move from Stamford Bridge unless they can convince fan-led group
Chelsea Pitch Owners, who own the land beneath Stamford Bridge, to sell them
back the freehold.
That was something they failed to do at an extraordinary general meeting of CPO
back in October.
The statement added: "We also appreciate that we have many significant hurdles
to address if we are to build a new stadium on the site, including winning the
support of our fans, the CPO shareholders and local Wandsworth residents, as
well as securing the approval of Wandsworth Council, the Greater London
Authority and heritage authorities.
"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.
"Working with architects and planning experts, we have developed a plan to
preserve all the significant aspects of Battersea Power Station.
"The four iconic chimneys and wash towers along with the Grade II* listed west
turbine hall and control room will be restored and retained in their original
locations and provide a unique architectural backdrop to a world-class stadium
with a capacity of around 60,000 seats.
"Following feedback from fans, our initial plans include a 15,000 all-seated
one-tier stand behind the south goal, likely to be the biggest one-tier stand in
football.
"Also as suggested by many fans, the stadium proposed is rectangular in shape
with four separate stands. The design includes a bigger family area and more
room for disabled supporters.
"As well as a new home for our club, the development would include a town
centre with substantial street-level retail shops, affordable housing and
offices - all of which would benefit Wandsworth and bring a significant number
of permanent jobs to the area.
"We would also make a significant contribution towards the Northern Line
Extension, a new high-volume transport link proposed for the area. We will keep our fans updated as the process develops.''
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