Chelsea announce Battersea stadium bid

Chelsea have announced plans to build a 60,000-seater stadium after bidding for the 39-acre Battersea Power Station site in south London.

There have been calls from some supporters for the Blues to remain at Stamford Bridge but the club are unable to expand the current stadium for a host of reasons, one being planning permission.

Chelsea have pursued plans to move to the nearby area but admitted that no definite decision on the future of their current ground has yet been made.

A statement on their official website read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm to our fans that we have today (Friday) submitted an offer, with our property development partner Almacantar, to acquire the 39-acre Battersea Power Station site.

“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.

“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.

One of the key aspects of the new ground follows pleas from fans to improve the atmosphere by building a one-tier stand similar to that of the Kop at Anfield.

Borussia Dortmund’s Sudtribune stand at Westfalenstadion, which holds 25,000, is currently the largest in the world, a capacity which the Blues are hoping to replicate.

“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,” the statement continued.

“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.