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Everton architect says renovated Stamford Bridge could be ‘spectacular’

Like many big clubs across Europe, Chelsea are currently considering their options in relation to their stadium and future plans. On one hand, there is appetite to leave Stamford Bridge and build a brand-new stadium in West London while on the other, there is interest in what a renovated Stamford Bridge could potentially look like.

Stadium development has been on the agenda since Todd Boehly became the club's owner in 2022. The club have explored other locations in Battersea and Earl's Court but it became clear earlier this year that a renovated Stamford Bridge is Boehly's preferred route after a portion of land next door to the stadium was purchased for £80m.

renovated Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge could be renovated in the coming years – Photo by Icon Sport

There are several hurdles that Chelsea will need to navigate when it comes to redeveloping Stamford Bridge. For starters, the stadium is penned in by railway tracks and borders conservation areas. Additionally, the only route to the stadium at present is via Fulham Road which means increasing the capacity presents potential health and safety concerns.

There is also the issue of where they would play while renovations take place. One option would be to redevelop the stadium stand-by-stand and continue playing at Stamford Bridge with reduced capacities. Another would be to potentially play home matches at Wembley Stadium while the work takes place.

A renovated Stamford Bridge excites leading architect

If the club can get around these hurdles, and they appear to be trying to hence the purchase of key land next to the stadium, then a leading architect involved in the construction and design of Everton's new stadium believes that Stamford Bridge could be ‘spectacular'.

Speaking to the I, Jon-Scott Kohli Said:

“The purchase of the land next to Stamford Bridge gives them lots of opportunities to think about their site in a much bigger way. The idea of fan zones is something we’re seeing a lot of at the moment.

“Everton have a big plaza at the side of the stadium which will bring people to the match a little bit earlier and hold people a little bit later. It’s great for the overall game-day experience, but there’s a practical safety aspect, you’re evening out the peak of people trying to move in and out of the ground at any one time.

“I’m hoping that Chelsea will seize this opportunity they have to build something really forward-thinking. They could have the most sustainability stadium in the league if they wanted to and set that as a priority. We’re very much hoping to hear more from them on that.

“There’s an opportunity to build something spectacular that fans would really love.”

Initial reports suggest that the club would like to expand the capacity at Stamford Bridge to over 60,000. That would make it one of the biggest stadiums in the Premier League.