Chelsea FC have been looking to build a new stadium for some time and the Earls Court site had been earmarked as a potential location
Chelsea have been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.(Image: (Photo by Naomi Baker - WSL/WSL Football via Getty Images))
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Earls Court developers have ruled out the possibility of Chelsea building a new stadium at the 44-acre site, maintaining that their regeneration proposals remain unchanged.
The Blues have a headache over whether to stay and renovate their Stamford Bridge home in Fulham or move to an alternative site and build a new, cutting-edge facility.
Earls Court had been identified as one of those prospective sites, with its size appropriate for a new ground for Chelsea or a possible venue for an NBA Europe franchise.
However, the company overseeing the masterplan, the Earls Court Development Company, seems to have poured cold water on proposals to build an arena, replacing its existing scheme.
"We have an approved masterplan, with local support, which will deliver exceptional benefits for London and the UK, bringing much needed homes, jobs and economic growth," a spokesperson told City AM.
"There is no arena or stadium in the proposals, our focus is on getting on site to deliver the plans we have worked on for six years. We look forward to bringing the vision for Earls Court, as set out in our masterplan, to life in the coming years."
Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge(Image: (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images))
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There had been expectations that Clearlake Capital's acquisition of former business partners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter, which gave it control of the Premier League side, could enable Chelsea to advance its stagnant stadium ambitions.
The proposed development, should it proceed as envisaged, will occupy land situated between West Kensington, Earls Court and West Brompton tube stations, incorporating gardens, 4,000 residential units, workspaces, and 100 food and beverage outlets. The projected expenditure stands at approximately £10bn.
Under previous ownership by sanctioned oligarch Roman Abramovich, Chelsea had explored relocating to Battersea Power Station, though competing proposals thwarted those ambitions.
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The club had also reportedly considered a temporary move to England Rugby's Allianz Stadium in Twickenham during potential reconstruction works at their current Stamford Bridge ground.
City AM claims Chelsea remain actively considering the Earls Court location, among alternative sites, for their prospective stadium.
The Earls Court Development Company added: "Earls Court is a site of domestic and global significance; there is no shortage of interest from organisations who want to be part of this exceptional opportunity to shape a new neighbourhood in London, bringing culture, innovation and entertainment."
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The club has not yet officially confirmed arrangements for their future stadium.