<!-- end mod-article-title --><!-- begin story body
-->
Chelsea have submitted a bid to acquire the Battersea
Power Station site for the construction of a 60,000-seater
stadium.
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.''
Perviously...
http://sgforums.com/forums/2497/topics/439048
<!-- end story body -->
