Image: Chelsea FC
Chelsea football club has received planning permission for its new £500m Stamford Bridge stadium redevelopment.
The west London club received the green light from Hammersmith & Fulham council on Wednesday for the new 60,000-seat stadium.
The plans include the demolition of buildings that surround the current stadium, known as the Chelsea Village and the building of broad walkways over the two rail lines that flank the stadium.
The new stadium has been designed by Swiss architect Herzog and de Meuron, which was also responsible for the “Bird’s Nest” Olympic stadium in Beijing.
Apparently inspired by Westminster Abbey, its exterior will be defined by vast arches, or “brick piers”, made of London stock brick.
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.”
It is expected to take around three years to build during which time the Blues would need to play their games at another location, most likely Wembley Stadium.
Football stadiums have become big business over the last few years for UK contractors. Balfour Beatty was involved with West Ham’s move to the 57,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Stratford, east London, last summer, while Spurs are currently redeveloping their White Hart Lane ground to the tune of £400m, with Mace heading up that development.
