Chelsea make move to aid Stamford Bridge redevelopment

Chelsea have lodged a bid to buy a plot of land next to Stamford Bridge to aid their plans to redevelop the stadium.

The Blues have faced issues with expanding their stadium in the past, given its location in London. Surrounded by buildings and railway lines, Chelsea are operating in limited space and butted heads with the council during Roman Abramovich's ownership as a result.

New co-owner Todd Boehly is committed to redeveloping Stamford Bridge as well and the Daily Mail note that the Blues have lodged a £50m bid to buy an available plot of land directly next to the stadium.

The 1.2 acre plot of land, which was put up for sale in October, had a bid deadline which passed earlier this month and it is understood that Chelsea's offer was submitted in time.

Whether there are any rival offers is unclear, with a final decision on the future of the plot to be made in the new year.

Another conundrum for Boehly is the fact that the Stamford Bridge freehold is owned by the shareholder group Chelsea Pitch Owners, meaning the club would need permission from the CPO to leave the current site - something that has been vehemently opposed in the past.

Following rumours that Boehly could pursue such permission, the CPO recently confirmed that the American had committed to redeveloping the current stadium instead of pursuing a move away.

"The new owners have committed to redevelopment of the stadium," a CPO statement read. "So it is anticipated the group's workload will increase as this project begins to take shape."


Source : 90min