Preconstruction design and planning work for the Chelsea Football Club stopped
On hold indefinitely will be any pre-construction design and planning work for the Chelsea Football Club in Fulham.
“The club does not have a timeframe set for reconsideration of its decision. The decision was made due to the current unfavourable investment climate” according to the club’s announcement.
Although different locations such as the Battersea Power Station were proposed for the new stadium through the years, the Chelsea Pitch Owners stipulated that if the club moved it would have to stop calling itself Chelsea FC and they made their final decision.
Three years ago, plans for a new 60,000-seat stadium designed by Herzog & de Meuron were unveiled with the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan granting permission in March last year (2017) and calling the proposal “a jewel in London’s sporting crown”.
In January this year Hammersmith and Fulham Council used its compulsory purchase powers (CPO) when the owners of two neighbouring properties launched a High Court injunction to stop the development arguing that it will cause loss of light in their properties. However, the council argued that was not a realistic option and the club overcame the legal challenge giving the green light for regeneration.
The new stadium according to the BBC would further enhance the economic, cultural and social wellbeing of the area, including £6m worth of educational programmes, a £7m improvement to local infrastructure and an additional £16.3m spent in local businesses by the visitors. However, this “jewel” and the expected regeneration that it would bring to Hammersmith and Fulham are now both hold back without a timeframe for reconsideration.
More uncertainty for a crucial West London regeneration site.
Authored by Michaela Kekeri