Chelsea revealed "ambitious plans" to rebuild Stamford Bridge in a move that will "test the level of support from local residents and businesses," according to Gardner & Jacob of the LONDON TIMES. The "radical" redevelopment proposals "claim to pay tribute to the club’s history and to take inspiration from the gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey, in whose diocese Stamford Bridge once stood." Locals will get their chance to "assess the plans, which will increase the stadium's capacity from 41,623 to 60,000, during a three-day public consultation" at Stamford Bridge’s East Stand starting on Tuesday. Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich has "taken charge of the project, which is likely to cost several hundred million pounds, and commissioned feasibility studies of the surrounding area" in west London. The plans "use the contours of the site" at Stamford Bridge, with four new stands following the angles of the old North Stand and the shape of the ground as it was in '39. The blueprints also claim to "incorporate a modern version of the original bridge over Stanford Creek, which dates back to the 15th century." The club has been "working on redeveloping the Stamford Bridge site after running into problems trying to secure land at Earls Court, Battersea Power Station, White City, and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital." Chelsea "launched a study to review the potential for improvement" to the areas around the present ground, including the possibility of "decking over railway lines to create walkways and cycleways about a year ago." Abramovich has "enlisted the aid of numerous experts to work on the plan including masterplan architects (Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands), a stadium architect (Herzog & de Meuron), strategic planners (Aecom), railways and transportation (WSP) and structural engineers (Schlaich Bergermann & Partner)" (LONDON TIMES, 6/30).
