Chelsea bid site for construction of a 60,000-seater stadium
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Chelsea bid for Battersea plot
By ESPN staff
GettyImagesChelsea are proposing a 60,000-seater stadium at Battersea Power StationChelsea 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...
Roman Abramovich is plotting a new home for Chelsea
http://sgforums.com/forums/2497/topics/439048
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Super rich Qatari in secret talks at Chelsea as Roman looks at Battersea move
Interested: Khalid Al Thani talked with Chelsea for several hours
Preparation: Chelsea ready themselves for the big day
Chelsea directors spoke with a member of the Qatari ruling family on Friday about investing in the club’s future.
Roman Abramovich’s right-hand man Eugene Tenenbaum and chief executive Ron Gourlay met Khalid Al Thani for meetings lasting several hours on the day the club announced plans to build a 60,000-seat stadium that incorporates the iconic chimneys of Battersea Power Station.
Although Chelsea insisted Abramovich remains fully committed to the club, they are investigating commercial opportunities with the Qataris.
Abramovich was not present at the meetings but has been kept fully informed of Al Thani’s interest in the club.
Chelsea’s players were stunned when Al Thani watched some of their training at Cobham ahead of the FA Cup Final against Liverpool.
He arrived in an armoured car and was surrounded by several bodyguards.
Tenenbaum and Gourlay invited him to the training ground to discuss potential commercial projects.
Chelsea need massive investment to fund the elaborate project at Battersea. Their plans include preserving the significant aspects of the power station, with a 15,000-seat single tier stand at one end.
The club intend to borrow significant money to build a vibrant town centre on the site and Al Thani may have an interest in funding the shopping malls.
Iconic: Chelsea want to build a new stadium in Battersea
Chelsea have also been investigating a naming rights deal for Stamford Bridge and have spoken to a number of businesses about the possibility.
The Qataris, one of the world’s largest oil producers, are beginning to invest in other areas.
The country produces 500,000 barrels of oil a day, but the reserves are expected to be depleted within the next decade.
As a result the Qataris are looking to expand their business portfolio and Chelsea represent the latest opportunity.
On the stadium plans, a Chelsea statement 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.’
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these decadent braindead Arabs are always throwing money into the sea.................