Football is now a multi-billion pound industry, and the architecture of football stadiums has evolved rapidly over the years. The football world now offers some of the world’s most incredible structures that have been designed to facilitate a euphoric environment and provide fans with comfort, safety and a clear view from every seat.
Stamford Bridge is the current home of Chelsea FC. The stadium was opened in 1877 and with its capacity of almost 42,000 it is the eight largest ground in the Premier League. It was renovated in the mid 1990s to a modern, all seated stadium and has hosted many England international matches including FA Cup semi-finals, FA Cup finals and Charity Shield matches.
The club has discussed its desire to extend the capacity of the stadium for some time, but its location in a heavily built up area of London has always cast some doubt over the possibility of the renovation work. However, Chelsea have now submitted their plans to build a new stadium at Stamford Bridge that will accommodate 60,000 fans.
The application incorporates the demolition of the current stadium and other buildings on the site. In their discussion of the plans Chelsea have said that the new ground would see “facilities improved for every area” and offer an “outstanding view” from an arena specifically designed to create an exciting atmosphere.
The new plans feature excavation works as well as the construction of new external concourse areas, including decking platforms over part of the Southern mainline railway and the District line. By increasing the capacity of its home ground, Chelsea FC will equal the capacity of Premier League rivals Arsenal and fall just short of the seating capacity offered by Manchester United and Manchester City. As well as providing larger and more impressive facilities, the new stadium will enable Chelsea FC to join the ranks of major clubs that play their home matches in iconic, internationally recognisable stadiums. The new ground will serve as both a functional and impressive structure accommodating a sport that holds an important place in the hearts of the nation.
This new stadium is an example of commercial architecture which will demonstrate how structures can be designed to work within their surroundings and enhance functionality for the people who occupy them. As leading London architects we regularly undertake complex and challenging commercial and public projects, and we’ll be interested to watch the development of Chelsea’s new stadium.