Chelsea’s estimated £80million purchase of the 1.2-acre Stoll Mansions site next to Stamford Bridge has been accepted.
The Board of Trustees at the Stoll veterans charity have today announced that, after a nine-week consultation period and a further six weeks of internal discussions, the land will be sold to the Premier League club.
West London giants Chelsea will take control of the area in 2025 in having beaten 13 other bids in a boost to plans to rebuild Stamford Bridge.
Stoll chief executive, Will Campbell-Wroe, said in a statement: “The Chelsea FC ownership group’s offer enables us to limit uncertainty for residents and offer support over a longer period of time.
“The site at Fulham is just not fit for purpose for the long-term and while this is a difficult time for our residents, it is something we must do, to enable us to support veterans now and in the future.”
Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital want to build a new stadium for Chelsea, who have outgrown their 40,000-capacity home close to Fulham Broadway Underground station.
The aim is to build at least a 55,000-seater arena but no the decision has yet been made on whether to knock down and rebuild the current stadium or to relocate.
It is, however, now more likely Chelsea will opt to remain with a bigger footprint to develop on the current land owned by the club.
Any decision to stay at the Bridge will be popular with supporters, who fear a move away from Chelsea's historic home since the club was founded in 1905.
It would however mean relocating to another stadium during the rebuild, with Fulham’s Craven Cottage the primary candidate to host Chelsea.
Wembley Stadium, the London Stadium and Twickenham are alternative options.
