The construction of one of the largest and finest stadiums in the country is a priority for Chelsea's owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. In 2023, the club purchased a 1.2-acre plot adjacent to Stamford Bridge. This plot belonged to a charity organization that supports veterans. Does this group have reason to worry?

Concerns were raised

Veterans were worried they would lose their homes or be thrown into retirement homes after Chelsea's £80 million bid was accepted in October last year. According to redevelopment plans aimed at expanding Stamford Bridge, most of the 157 veteran residences would be demolished. The charitable organization Stoll, which manages the property, was unable for a long time to confirm whether the veterans would definitely be relocated or simply left to fend for themselves.

After discussions with both Chelsea and Stoll, Ben Coleman, Deputy Chairman of the Hammersmith and Fulham Council, decided to accommodate the veterans within the borough. Residents of the buildings to be demolished will be moved to a new development near the Fulham riverside. Additionally, 20 existing apartments will undergo renovation.

Thanks to Ben Coleman's intervention, both Chelsea and Stoll have put community needs and human interests at the forefront, rather than treating them as a secondary effect of a significant corporate decision, said one of the veterans living on the property in an interview with the Daily Mail.

© Brent Flanders (cc: by-nc-nd)

Redevelopment or completely new stadium?

Despite purchasing land for expanding Stamford Bridge, it is still uncertain whether the expansion will happen at all. This investment won't be straightforward, partly because the stadium is located next to a subway line and railway. Additionally, remaining parts of Sir Oswald's residence would need to be integrated into the project due to its Grade II listed status, which means buildings of special interest warranting every effort to preserve them. Chelsea is still considering options: a complete redevelopment of Stamford Bridge, renovation of the reserve stand, or a move to a new facility.

However, in early April, a task force was established to address this issue. According to Chelsea's reports, they won't be able to commence potential redevelopment of Stamford Bridge until at least 2027. Plans, intermittently developed under a consortium led by Todd Boehly and former owner Roman Abramovich, involve increasing Stamford Bridge's current capacity from 41,000 to 60,000. This would position Chelsea's stadium in the top six of the Premier League in terms of size.

© Brent Flanders (cc: by-nc-nd)