Looks like White Hart F***ing Lane to me from the inside.

I went to Stamford Bridge for the presentation on the re-development of the ground. The presentation was based on the consultations with fans and local residents and businesses in June; other meetings with fans, businesses, residents and the Council; and plans which have been produced. There was a model of what the new ground and surrounding area will look ahead if the re-development goes ahead. There were a number of photographs of the new ground including views of it from surrounding areas. As I've mentioned before I'm a ST holder in the Matthew Harding Upper and am a Chelsea Pitch Owner (CPO).

 

A few comments based on what I saw and questions that I asked and heard others ask. In no particular order of importance.

 

The model showed the walkway which will run at the back of the Matthew Harding Stand to Fulham Broadway Station and the walkway at the back of the East Stand. Both walkways will cover the two rail tracks and will need the approval of Transport for London (TFL) and Network Rail (NR). There have already been discussions with TFL and NR. There have been a few amendments to the walkway at the back of the East Stand as residents of Billing Street and Billing Road were concerned that the walkway would run too near their houses.

 

One of the presenters was asked if the walkway at the back of the East Stand could be extended to West Brompton Station. Network Rail had not agreed to this as it would, amongst other reasons. be contrary to Health and Safety regulations i.e. the walkway would be too long. To get to West Brompton Station there are a number of routes fans can take one of which is through Brompton Cemetery. According to the presenter the Royal Parks which owns Brompton Cemetery would have no objection to increased number of fans walking through it.

 

Chelsea did have permission to build a station stop near the corner of the East and Shed stands but let permission slip in 2004. Permission to build the station could be sought but if it were to go ahead it would be expensive and could, due to too many people using it could not open on match day. The station would therefore only benefit locals and fans visiting the club shop and museum and given that Fulham Broadway station is only about 200 yards away there wouldn't be much benefit.

 

The club is hoping that about 6,000 people i.e. 10% of the capacity will remain in the ground for at least an hour after a match has finished to reduce the number of people heading away from the stadium and to make use of restaurants and bars in the ground. I've no idea how many people stay in the bars after a match at the moment but it strikes me that most people either head for home or go to one of the local bars or restaurants as they tend to be a lot cheaper. I got the impression that there is an emphasis on hospitality and those with corporate needs in the new ground. Not necessarily a bad thing but as long as it isn't to the detriment of other fans. Corporates will only have seats in the East and West Stands. There are about 4,000 corporate seats at the moment and it is likely that the number will increase to 10,000 in the new ground. Another 5,000 tickets will also be made available to local residents.

 

I asked if the CPO board were keen on the plans. The presenter was sure they would be and their approval is being sought.

 

At the consultations in June fans who responded to questionnaires stated that the atmosphere and views from the seats were the most important things. Views may have to change slightly due to angles of stands changing a bit. The plan is to locate fans in roughly the same area as they are at the moment. Using myself as an example my seat would be in the middle tier of the Matthew Harding Upper. As for atmosphere the plan is for the new ground and roof to enhance the sound of the crowd.

 

The location of away fans is still to be decided but the favourite choice is to locate them at the corner of the East and Shed stands i.e. roughly where they are at the moment.

 

Where we will play during redevelopment is still to be decided at least according to the presenter I spoke to.

 

The pitch will be lowered by four metres and will be extended by one metre and widened by one metre,

 

Plans for approval are due to be submitted to Hammersmith and Fulham Council in early October. 

 

A slight aside but according to one travel organisation, Stamford Bridge is the 10th most popular destination in London with 2,500,000 visitors half of which are on match day. I'm not sure how figures for non match day visitors have been calculated but am guessing they are based on purchases in the shop and tickets to the museum and tours. The top destination for visitors was the British Museum with 6,700,000. Stamford Bridge was the only sporting location in the top 10.

 

If I think of anything I've missed I'll add later. If anyone else goes to the presentation please tell me if I've got anything wrong. Would love to know the views of others going to the presentation.

 

Apologies for the lengthy tome. Now off to drink a glass of Klichoman single malt whisky.

Great stuff Boyne. You forgot to tell us what you thought of the stadium!!!!!

 

How do your impressions of the more detailed plans and the model compare with your original impressions?

 

For my money, I love the outside, but not too sure of the curvy element of the upper tiers inside the ground, reminds me a bit of the Etihad or the Emirates.

 

Having said that, I've only seen the images.

Nice write up, thanks for the info Boyne.

Davey Baby and Scott, thanks for your posts.

 

Seeing the model was good as it showed how the new ground will fit in with the surrounding area and gives an idea of dimensions. The stadium is growing on me. It does look impressive from the outside. However, like you Davey, I'm not sure of the curvy bits in the ground, perhaps because I'm used to grounds where tiers are straight. 

 

I do like buildings which have an old look to them ( I live in a house which is a 100 years old and worked in a building which was built in 1726) and believe that the brickwork and the colonnades of the new stadium have that look. 

 

I asked what will happen to the model. It will be sent to the council with the plans. I was hoping that it would be placed in the megastore or museum so fans can look at it went visiting the ground. There are pictures of the model on here and elsewhere but sometimes it's nice to see the model itself.

 

One thing I forgot to mention in my last post is that ST holders will be asked if they wish to move or stay in the same area as they are now. I'm going to stay where I am at the moment - I've had the same seat since 1997 - and I know of others who don't want to move.  The club is planning to allow fans to access a virtual version of the ground to get an idea of the view from a seat.

That was quick!

 

 

Paddy Power is humour for the retarded. 

 

People who find things like "Chelski" or "Manure" funny... It's not banter it's just moronic. 

Paddy power is a prick and a LFC fan

A few more things I picked up from the consultation which I don't think were mentioned by Boyne. Again in no particular order.

 

The seat width in the new stadium will be an average on 490mm compared to around 430/440mm now. The legroom will increase to an average of around 750mm from around 660mm currently (and 630mm in the East Upper).

 

The distance from the goal to the first seats in the North and South Stands will be 7m which is the minimum it can be in order to give everyone in the stand a decent sightline. The North and South Stands will not be corporate therefore ensuring there isn't a 'ring of silence' as in the Emirates. Club Level seats will be in the corners.

 

There will be five 'Gothic Cathedral' style entrances to the stadium. One near the Britannia Gate, Matthew Harding NW, Matthew Harding NE (corporate), Shed End and East Stand.

 

The roof will be made of steel but they haven't yet decided on a colour scheme. The white on the model is no indication of the final design.

 

There will be some kind of 'grand entrance' for the new 'Stamford Bridge' with statues or similar. Not finalised as yet. The bridge itself will extend from the existing bridge  (which will not be replaced or widened as requested by the council who want to restrict large lorries using the route) but the pavements will be widened.

 

As Boyne noted there will be no link to the Lost River Park walkway up towards West Brompton. This will be up to the GLA, Network Rail or the councils to drive forward if they want to. This route is not required for egress (there was a computer model video showing the flow of spectators leaving the stadium for an ordinary game and in an emergency to show how they expect the redevelopment to affect things).

 

They confirmed that the CPO would have to give permission for the redevelopment to take place. They also insisted that they have 'not yet discussed' whether the CPO would exist after the new stadium is built or if Roman would want to own the whole site. Could go either way apparently (not convinced how true this is).

 

People may remember that the consultation started with discussions about street furniture and cycle lanes etc in the local area and especially around Fulham Road. As a result the consultants will be recommending extra cycle lanes and consistent chrome street furniture (bollards, street lights, bins, benches etc). The bollards look good as they have some blue detailing indicating that this is Chelsea territory. Might be true for the rest of it as well.

 

I asked if the timescale was realistic given the permission required and the planned start on covering the railway tracks next summer. The consultant admitted the timescales were 'aggressive' but said that 'if we don't ask we won't get'.  He also said that if the current timetable slips by even a month it would mean that the project would effectively have lost a whole year.

 

5,000 tickets will be set aside for local people apparently. Season tickets would go up to about 30,000. There will be around 10,000 corporate seats and I think he said youth tickets would increase to about 3,000. There will also be four classes of 'Club Level' seats which are 'in between ordinary matchday seats and hospitality' but (as Arsenal prices indicate are still very pricey).

 

Importantly, he said there is no planned increase in ordinary matchday or season ticket prices. The additional corporate and club level seats would effectively pay for the stadium.

 

Finally, apparently Uncle Ken still has his penthouse and will need to agree to move. But they are in discussions with him and he is being receptive. Will no doubt cost Roman a lot of money though. Ken will no doubt maximise the value of the property given that the buyer is desperate and the clock is ticking...

 

I've also posted some more images from the consultation on another site if you're interested:

 

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1079233&page=34

Edited September 2, 201510 yr by Mr Parker's Dogbite

Really random question, anyone know what will happen with the Peter Osgood statue? 

I have to say it looks very good. The bricks make it feel solid, stable, even monumental. They slightly vary in color to avoid a dullness, and show a lot of attention to detail.  It means it will be more expensive to build and will take more time, but I am glad the club takes this step because this will be the home for the club for a very long time. The huge atrium inside the main entrance is a grand idea which puts me in awe just thinking of it! There is nothing more intimidating than a 10 metres high entrance hall!

 

Some people have expressed doubts over the asymmetry, but it gives the stadium uniqueness from every angle, which sets it apart from modular bowls like the emirates and will only serve to make us feel at home. After all, I wouldn't want to live in a house with 10 rooms where every room looks the same, even if this is a simplistic analogy.

 

The only concern I have is the circular roof because it just does not fit the rest. In my opinion the top of the roof should have the same outline as the stadium itself, maybe slightly less edgy. It would be asymmetrical and probably not quite compliant with the architecture hundreds of years ago but it would, in my opinion, improve the looks of the stadium from above by a lot. Right now it goes from asymmetrical to circular to rectangular when looking from above and I can't see any homogeneity in it. Maybe they have considered this, but left it circular because it is cheaper and they thought no one would see it from down below anyway. 

The only concern I have is the circular roof because it just does not fit the rest. In my opinion the top of the roof should have the same outline as the stadium itself, maybe slightly less edgy. It would be asymmetrical and probably not quite compliant with the architecture hundreds of years ago but it would, in my opinion, improve the looks of the stadium from above by a lot. Right now it goes from asymmetrical to circular to rectangular when looking from above and I can't see any homogeneity in it. Maybe they have considered this, but left it circular because it is cheaper and they thought no one would see it from down below anyway. 

 

The circular roof gives a nod to the circle in Brompton Cemetery, which may have been a planning consideration. Either way I doubt money was a factor, as previously it was deemed economically unfeasible to expand on the current site, whereas Roman has now seemingly decided that this will be his legacy which he will pass on to his son and he's prepared to go the whole hog.

The circular roof gives a nod to the circle in Brompton Cemetery, which may have been a planning consideration. Either way I doubt money was a factor, as previously it was deemed economically unfeasible to expand on the current site, whereas Roman has now seemingly decided that this will be his legacy which he will pass on to his son and he's prepared to go the whole hog.

 

Agree with all of that and, I may be in the minority but I love the way a somewhat asymmetrical design also includes a perfect circle. I think it looks spectacular from above.

The circular roof gives a nod to the circle in Brompton Cemetery, which may have been a planning consideration. Either way I doubt money was a factor, as previously it was deemed economically unfeasible to expand on the current site, whereas Roman has now seemingly decided that this will be his legacy which he will pass on to his son and he's prepared to go the whole hog.

 

I see, but would you say it is a good decision in terms of design? I am not sure if the circle fits the rest and if it is a good idea to reference a cemetery, to be honest. Cemeteries are associated with silence and, well, death.

I see, but would you say it is a good decision in terms of design?

I'm not a designer or architect. I think it's a question of taste. I see where you're coming from and you make a good point but from my point of view, I think it's all pretty spectacular from the outside, as Mr Parker said.

Edit: There may have been practical considerations regarding the roof which dominated their thinking. Register on skyscrapercity and put your thoughts to the posters there, they will give you very informed responses.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1079233&page=34

Edited September 2, 201510 yr by Davey Baby

Mr Parker's Dogbite, thanks for your comments.

 

You mentioned about the North and South Stands being 7 metres from the pitch. Reminded me that I heard a comment yesterday that the West Stand will also be 7 metres from the pitch. At the moment the West Stand is 10 metres from the pitch. 

 

Good news about the width of seats and extra legroom. Have been in the East Lower on a few occasions and leg room is tight. I'm only 5' 9" tall so must be a pain for those who are a lot taller.

I know Mr Parker is on the architectural forum, maybe he can ask about an asymmetrical roof, in terms of logistics and aesthetics, or maybe he's an architect or engineer himself and he can answer.

Mr Parker's Dogbite, thanks for your comments.

You mentioned about the North and South Stands being 7 metres from the pitch. Reminded me that I heard a comment yesterday that the West Stand will also be 7 metres from the pitch. At the moment the West Stand is 10 metres from the pitch.

Good news about the width of seats and extra legroom. Have been in the East Lower on a few occasions and leg room is tight. I'm only 5' 9" tall so must be a pain for those who are a lot taller.

being 6 3" and sitting in the East Upper is a real struggle. I just put my legs on the shoulders of the person in front on a serious note the stadium looks fantastic. Really hope it comes off

I went to the consultation last night, i have to say i was more impressed with the actual pictures on display than the actual model.

 

Apparently its going to take 4 million London bricks to build the stadium, on the edge of the brick pillars their going to actually break the bricks in half & have the lighter colour of the inside of the brick on show so the back & front will be the colour shown but the actual edges lighter.

 

The glass windows between the pillars are going to have the club badge superimposed & lit up on them.

 

I again asked why the mh couldnt have a one tiered stand & i was told it was because of the right to light again, when i said but there's not many homes that close to the back of the mh stand i was told the houses nearby would lose too much light, even though there's actually tree's in place now, i was also told that we'd lose to many seats by doing it that way, unless i'm being thick i think thats a cop out. 

 

I like the look of the outside & its old take on the design i can now see where the Westminster Abbey link comes in to it,  i'm not sure about the inside with the sloping stands, it reminds me of the Etihad & the Emirates.

 

I just hope it actually comes off.

Edited September 2, 201510 yr by Carshalton Blue

I know Mr Parker is on the architectural forum, maybe he can ask about an asymmetrical roof, in terms of logistics and aesthetics, or maybe he's an architect or engineer himself and he can answer.

 

That would be great if someone could explain! Thanks!

 

I will probably go to the exhibition tomorrow and ask them about it amongst other things. Apart from that they did a great job creating a timeless design. It will look as good in 100 years as it does right now.

 

 

The roof will be made of steel but they haven't yet decided on a colour scheme. The white on the model is no indication of the final design.

 

There will be some kind of 'grand entrance' for the new 'Stamford Bridge' with statues or similar. Not finalised as yet. The bridge itself will extend from the existing bridge  (which will not be replaced or widened as requested by the council who want to restrict large lorries using the route) but the pavements will be widened.

 

 

Regarding the roof: The renders I've seen look like there is nothing in between/on the steel trusses but that would be impractical as rain could go through - is it because they haven't decided yet or is it glass?

 

Did they say which kind of statues? I for one would love two giant lion statues guard the entrance! 

That would be great if someone could explain! Thanks!

 

I will probably go to the exhibition tomorrow and ask them about it amongst other things. Apart from that they did a great job creating a timeless design. It will look as good in 100 years as it does right now.

 

 

Regarding the roof: The renders I've seen look like there is nothing in between/on the steel trusses but that would be impractical as rain could go through - is it because they haven't decided yet or is it glass?

 

Did they say which kind of statues? I for one would love two giant lion statues guard the entrance! 

 

Just to be clear, I'm just an interested amateur. Not an expert at all. The best bet is for people to go along and ask your questions yourself. 

 

As for the statues they just haven't decided what to do as yet, if anything. Would hate anything tacky though.

I forgot to say i was told local residents are 76% in favour of the new ground.

 

Just found this blog.......

 

https://plus.google.com/111051722665395716348/posts/DEQUYkQazVj

I like the idea of lion statues, that could look impressive.

I will probably go to the exhibition tomorrow and ask them about it amongst other things.

Please report back if you do.

Fantastic write ups from the three who went - really appreciate you all taking the time to share in such detail. I must admit I'm ruddy excited.