Chelsea FC Bids For Battersea Power Station

Chelsea Football Club is trying to buy London's Battersea Power Station site in the hope of constructing a new 60,000-seat stadium.

The Blues announced they had made an offer, with their property development partner Almacantar, to acquire the 39 acres of land in south west London for redevelopment, if they decide to relocate from their current home ground.

The club's plans include preserving all the significant aspects of the giant red-brick power station itself, including the iconic chimneys.

In a statement on its website Chelsea said its proposals would see the site converted into "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.

The club's statement said: "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."

But Chelsea cautioned 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.

Chelsea cannot move from Stamford Bridge unless they can convince fan-led group Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), who own the land beneath Stamford Bridge, to sell them back the freehold.

That was something they failed to do at an extraordinary general meeting of CPO back in October.

The statement acknowledged there were "significant hurdles" to overcome in order to build the new stadium.

The proposed development also provides for a shopping centre, affordable housing and office space, which the club said would bring new permanent jobs to the Wandsworth area of London.

Chelsea would also contribute to improving transport links to the area.

"We would also make a significant contribution towards the Northern Line Extension, a new high-volume transport link proposed for the area.

"We will keep our fans updated as the process develops," the statement from the Blues concluded.