English Premiership
Chelsea launch landmark bid
2012-05-04 15:22
Battersea Power Station (AFP Photo)
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London - Chelsea confirmed Friday they have submitted a bid that would see the club convert London's iconic Battersea Power Station into a 60,000-seater stadium.
The club said that it wants to buy the 39-acre (15.8-hectare) site, whose centrepiece is the giant red-brick power station and four giant chimney stacks that were famously depicted on the cover of Pink Floyd's seminal 1977 album "Animals".
Chelsea said in a statement on its web site that its proposed plans for the site would see the key features of the building retained in what could become "one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world".
Battersea Power Station, the largest brick building in Europe, ceased to provide electricity in 1983 but is now a protected or 'listed' building.
Various plans to redevelop the site over the years have stalled, prompting Chelsea to mount a bid for the building as they look for alternatives to their current home at Stamford Bridge.
"Chelsea Football Club can confirm to our fans that we have today submitted an offer, with our property development partner Almacantar, to acquire the 39-acre Battersea Power Station site," Chelsea said in a statement.
"Battersea Power Station is one of London's most famous buildings and has the potential to become one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world."
The club cautioned however that several other parties were interested in the site "and there is no certainty that we will be successful".
"We must also stress that making an offer for the Battersea Power Station site does not mean the club has made a definitive decision to leave Stamford Bridge," the club added.
However the club outlined its plans to incorporate the key features of the power station into its new stadium.
"The four iconic chimneys and wash towers along with the Grade II* listed west turbine hall and control room will be restored and retained in their original locations and provide a unique architectural backdrop to a world-class stadium with a capacity of around 60,000 seats," the statement said.
The development also provides for a shopping centre, affordable housing and office space, while Chelsea would also contribute to improving transport links to the area.