Chelsea ponder stadium site
Chelsea are looking into building a new stadium at Battersea Power Station, and have asked one of London's leading developers to investigate the feasibility of the plan.
The club are taking action in order to avoid missing out if the location emerges as their most viable option if they choose to leave Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have appointed Mike Hussey, chief executive of Almacantar, as their development partner and have hired architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox to draw up plans for the construction of a 55,000-60,000-seater stadium to the south-east of power station.
A Chelsea spokesman said: "In the past, we've talked to various people with interests in Battersea Power Station, but we haven't had any substantive discussions with anyone regarding that site for several months.
"However, in light of current developments, we now think it prudent to look again at the feasibility and potential for the BPS site to be developed for a football stadium.
"We have made no decision to leave Stamford Bridge, and we continue to discuss with the local council any economically viable options to expand the the Bridge, but we will continue to investigate various options close to Stamford Bridge."
Before Chelsea can relocate, they must buy back the freehold on their current stadium - a deal which has proved problematic. Their most recent attempt to do so failed last month when Chelsea Pitch Owners, a supporter-led company, rejected an offer. [Soccernet.espn.go.com]