09 Jun 2013 13:49:34
Stadium

The idea that Chelsea are looking to leave their only home for a new and larger one is always going to be an emotional topic. The capacity isn't enough to sustain the current level of success indefinitely. Chelsea could expand the current stadium but at an unthinkable cost to the club.
There remains the barrier of the Chelsea Pitch Owners to deal with. They still hold the freehold on the land and the right to the Chelsea name. They're probably not an obstacle to a move, but they make it more difficult to accomplish. Even though the club failed in its last attempt at buying back the freehold, it was only a marginal loss. Given that and the positive response to the subsequently-released artist's rendition of the plans for the failed Battersea Power Station site, the club will not fail a second time if they come in prepared.
Part of any preparation will be a solid plan for a move elsewhere, and probably a winning bid already in hand. With the potential options for a local move quickly dwindling, due to the built-up nature of the area, that bid is probably going to have to come in the very near future. Accordingly, there have been reports recently which should give Chelsea fans hope.
The first, as reported in the Mail, is for the club to go in for the Earl's Court redevelopment. The Lillie Bridge development has long been assumed to become a part of the existing plan. However, it appears that that portion will not be included in the CapCo plan. Instead, the 17-acre site will be sold on the open market by Transport for London. That opens it up to a potential Chelsea bid.
It measures 17 acres to Stamford Bridge's 12. 5, but it's a fairly-narrow stretch of land. It may not, in fact, be big or wide enough for us to put in a 60,000-seat stadium. The club say they need 18-20 acres in a square configuration. As with our current home, it abuts a rail line. This may affect the stadium's egress routes, which is one the major issues affecting a redevelopment of Stamford Bridge.

Also in the news, and on a more speculative bent, there might be a slight chance that Chelsea could be back in at Battersea. A few weeks ago, as reported on the page of a Power Station preservation group, Sime Darby have come in £250m short of their funding for the first phase of the project. how those news could affect the current plans for the Power Station, no idea but it's an interesting development and one to keep an eye on.

DeLaRusso {Ed002's Note - The critical matter with Battersea is the second phase which we discussed before.}

1.) 09 Jun 2013
Hi Ed002, I know phase 2 is a planned restoration of the power station, is there a way for chelsea to change this plan? I've tried the search function but can't find what youve discussed before! thanks for your time. {Ed002's Note - No, Phase 2 of the property development.}

2.) 10 Jun 2013
As long as it doesn't have a stupid name like the 'sports direct arena' ill be happy with a bigger stadium