Hopes for Chelsea FC to build a new stadium at the 44-acre Earls Court site have been dashed by the developers. The Earls Court Development Company, the firm behind the masterplan, stated that their regeneration plans remain unchanged and do not include an arena or stadium.
A spokesperson for the company told City AM, "We have an approved masterplan, with local support, which will deliver exceptional benefits for London and the UK, bringing much needed homes, jobs and economic growth." They added, "There is no arena or stadium in the proposals, our focus is on getting on site to deliver the plans we have worked on for six years."
Chelsea FC is currently facing a stadium dilemma, weighing options between redeveloping their existing Stamford Bridge ground in Fulham or relocating to a new site. The Earls Court location had been considered a potential option due to its suitable dimensions. Despite the developers' statement, City AM understands that Chelsea continues to explore the Earls Court site, as well as others, for their new stadium. The club has not yet publicly formalised plans for a new venue.
The Earls Court regeneration project, estimated to cost around £10bn, is planned to span between West Kensington, Earls Court, and West Brompton tube stations. It is set to feature gardens, 4,000 homes, workspaces, and 100 food and beverage outlets.