By dixon9
November 9 2010

Last nights early edition of the Guardian on-line claims that Chelsea FC are considering a move to Earls Court Exhibition Centre and that the move depends on a battle with architect Sir Tony Farrell who wants to build a 8,000 home complex.

“Chelsea Football Club are in talks to quit their 105-year old home at Stamford Bridge and build a ground on the site of the soon- to-be-demolished Earls Court exhibition centre to hold at least 60,000 spectators, the Guardian has learned.”

The “secret” discussions with Chelsea have been in background to long running negotiations between Farrell, the Earls Court landowners (Capital and Counties), Transport for London and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. 

The property scheme is now in the final phase of public consultation this week after what appear to be various break-offs – this suggests that if a deal is not concluded then Chelsea will go ahead (if indeed, we are interested and haven’t already pulled out of negotiations of course!).

"The discussion is now on again," said a “source close to the deal” claims the Guardian.

"It is largely because the owners are progressing alternative uses for the site and there's lots more urgency for Chelsea to make a decision. From Chelsea's point of view this is their last opportunity to get a new ground and stay in the same area they have been in for over a century."

What does seem clear is that if we don’t bid on the Earls Court site then the chances of us acquiring another place for the new Stamford Bridge in the area will be extremely minimal.

"It’s very difficult for us to make the philosophical decision that we are going to move on,” said Buck tonight.

"Certainly we wouldn't leave west London or thereabouts and there are very few sites available.”

"We have to do things with our other commercial activities to make up the deficit that is created by the fact we don't have a 60,000 seat stadium. We can't say that we will never move or have a new stadium but at the moment, it's not at the front of our agenda."

The quotes from Bruce Buck in the piece appear to be from a few months back although the Guardian does say “Tonight” so just how much water the Guardian exclusive holds remains to be seen (it’s highly possible Buck used the same vocabulary etc in these apparently recent quotes?).

"There have been discussions about it and the club is clearly considering its next step," confirmed another “source close to Chelsea”.

“The club has met the site's owner, Capital and Counties, in recent months and Chelsea and its advisers are holding "a series of key meetings to decide whether to pursue a bid or not", according to a source close to the talks.” continues the Guardian piece.

A new stadium would not be ready until 2015 due to scheduled events.

But then here comes the killer right at the end of the article – quotes from a Capital Counties spokesman:

"Our vision for Earls Court is for a world class residential-led development delivering thousands of new homes and jobs, and creating a remarkable new place in London,"

"As part of that we maintain discussions with a wide range of stakeholders and neighbouring landowners including both local authorities, TfL, the GLA and the local community."

So, either this spokesman is being diplomatic and keeping the development suits happy – or the Guardian piece has taken a kernel of information and making a full blown “Chelsea move” story out of it.

Guardian Claim Chelsea to Earls Court Decision Imminent

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 09/11/2010 06:32

50 Years Over 100 Years
09/11/2010 06:32

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Since 66
09/11/2010 19:21

OFFICIAL CLUB DENIAL



Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

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dixon9
09/11/2010 19:58

So Guardian full of BS then....!



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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dixon9
09/11/2010 21:17

I´ve got to laugh!

Nearly every time I do a piece on something major it gets denied or goes pear-shaped the following day!

Anyway...

This was interesting re the non-move from the Telegraph - firstly they approached us and second the naming rights:

However, Chelsea are dismissing the approach, unless the club is made an offer it cannot refuse, and are working on a naming rights deal for the next 10 years at the Bridge to boost revenues.
LINK



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:11:09:21:20:00 by dixon9.

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