Chelsea's new £500m stadium will be one of 'world’s best football arenas', say council leaders

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Chelsea's new 60,000-seat arena will be one of the world’s premier football stadiums when it opens in 2021, jubilant council leaders said today.

Owner Roman Abramovich’s £500m rebuild of Stamford Bridge, designed by the team who created Beijing 2008’s lauded Birds’ Nest, was given unanimous backing by councillors in Hammersmith and Fulham.

It means the current 41,600 capacity ground will be demolished to be replaced with a state-of-the-art venue, subject to final approval by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Blues chairman Bruce Buck was among those to welcome the decision, which the club described as a “significant step” in its history.

It means Chelsea will be able to close the capacity gap with Arsenal, whose 60,000-seater Emirates brought in £101million matchday revenue last year compared to Chelsea’s £71million.

Councillor Stephen Cowan, leader of Hammersmith and Fulham council, told the Standard: “We are going to get one of the most outstanding football stadiums anywhere. It will be talked about and written about all over the world.

“In the post-Brexit period, to have such a huge sum of money pour in for what will be a spectacular attraction is good news for the whole UK economy.”

Ben Peirson, speaking on behalf of holding company Fordstam, said the proposed scheme would: “deliver a modern football stadium of considerable architectural distinction which will be recognised as one of the world’s most distinguished sports venues.”

He added: “Not only would the new stadium be an important addition to the local townscape but it will contribute greatly to London’s visitor economy and to the socio-economic prosperity of the local community.”

Paul Heagren, company secretary, said the existing ground was no longer fit for purpose.

He said: “The development is integral to the prosperity of the borough and this stadium an important city landmark will be seen cross the world and bring significant benefits.”

Eight local residents spoke out against the scheme including Oscar nominated film director Michael Radford, who lives next to the stadium with his wife and two young children.

He said: “We have very real concerns about this development, not only for ourselves but for all the buildings that share such close proximity to the stadium.

“My argument really concerns the construction and devastation which is about to be unleashed upon us for about four years – if not more.”

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Another neighbour dubbed the arena “large gothic Colosseum” while others raised about its size, impact on wildlife and ability to cope with a terror attack.

The club has promised to set up a residents’ forum to identify and address issues which may arise.

Chelsea are expected to remain at the existing stadium in the 2017/18 season while preparation work gets underway but will then move out, either to Wembley or Twickenham, until 2021.

In a statement the club said: “We are grateful that planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of our historic home.

“The committee decision does not mean that work can begin on site. This is just the latest step, although a significant one, that we have to take before we can commence work, including obtaining various other permissions.”

Chelsea Pitch Owners, which owns the freehold to the land on which the stadium sits, said its goal of ensuring Chelsea remain at the Bridge, its home since 1905, “looks more secure than it has for many years.”

A spokemsan said: “The plans will provide a world-class stadium and the bold architectural design will enhance the local area.”

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