Chelsea football club has scrapped plans for an all-day music venue outside Stamford Bridge stadium after facing pressure from local residents.
Since he became Chelsea’s owner Todd Boehly, an American businessman, has unveiled proposals to redevelop the area around the stadium.
These included the construction of a large marquee venue for music events. The club submitted licensing plans to Hammersmith and Fulham Council that would have allowed it to serve alcohol in the marquee from 10am-11pm every day of the week. There were further plans for redevelopment of the concourse and plaza areas around Stamford Bridge.
In a letter to residents this week, Glick said: “Having spoken to some residents further to understand the issues involved, we have decided to withdraw both license applications and we have informed LBHF accordingly.”
“Our primary concern is building a strong relationship with our neighbours. We want to do that independently from those applications.”
Hundreds of locals objected to the proposal when a consultation was held in March. At a testy meeting with residents, the club’s President of Business Tom Glick admitted he had “underestimated” opposition to the plans.
“Having spoken to some residents further to understand the issues involved, we have decided to withdraw both license applications and we have informed LBHF accordingly.”
Boehly, the club’s owner, recently boasted: “we’ve got an unbelievable location in the top city in the world.”
“He didn’t realise that what makes it so unbelievable is the village atmosphere of a club surrounded by residents in picture perfect Victorian enclaves, on all four sides”, said one local.
