Any more information from anyone who went to the event? I found a good informative post on another forum: I went to the Bridge last night for the meeting with the consultants about the redevelopment about ground. It was not only Chelsea fans at the meeting but also local residents with no affiliation with the club. From what I could gather a large number people had attended during the day. It is expected that the redevelopment will take three years. Prior to the work starting there will be a couple of years of planning, approvals etc so if work started now the earliest the new Bridge will be completed will be 2020. Having been involved in a number of office moves and refurbishments over the years I know how long the planning can take. A lot of planning has already taken place and from what we told by one of the consultants that from discussions which have been held with the council and most local residents and businesses are content with the plans. On Monday evening the consultants had a meeting with representatives from the council. Obviously not everyone will be content but it is going to be difficult to please everyone. Last night I heard a resident who lives on the Fulham Road and not from the East Stand complain about the noise from the East Stand and in particular the air-conditioning units. It was pointed out to her that the walls of the new stands will thicker to cushion the noise. On a match day there will always be noise. Given that we’re only play games for less than 10% of the year noise and disruption will be minimal. As for noise and disruption during the re-building there are rules in place about when works can take place. Roman has had several meetings with the consultants and architects and they have highlighted to him the risks etc of the project and he has told them to press on. I think that is a good sign and shows his commitment to the club not only in time but in money. From speaking to one of the consultants it became clear that they did not want to make plans public until they had enough information to give out and have plans in place. To me that indicates they are a long way down the planning route. The Memorial Wall will remain which is excellent news. The remains of the Shed Wall will also remain as it will not get in the way of the re-development. We were told that it will also act as a barrier for those houses between the ground and the Fulham Road. We were told by one consultant that there will be no area for standing in the new ground. That does not come as a complete surprise; however, speaking to another consultant later it is possible that the lower tier of the new Shed End could be built to allow it to be converted into standing. Something to look out for. There will be three tiers in each stand and away fans will be located in the corner of the Shed End near the East Stand i.e. where they are at the moment. The height of the new stadium will be the same as the current one; that is to ensure that views from surrounding buildings are not blocked. Apparently a resident has said that their view of Richmond Park will be spoilt if the height of the stadium is increased. Not sure how that will be the case given that Stamford Bridge is the tallest building in the area. Also building higher will block out more sunlight; one of the concerns of the residents of the Oswald Stoll Home when the new West Stand was built in the nineties. I think it is only right and proper that we cater for our service veterans. As the new Bridge cannot be any higher, the builders will dig down to allow for the third tier. The builders will dig down four metres. Someone on here asked (sorry I can’t remember who) about what was being built at the East Stand and over the railway line. It will be a walkway. There will also be a walkway from the Underground Station to the Matthew Harding Upper. The walkways are to make access and egress easier. The new Stadium will be solely used for Chelsea matches i.e. there will be no other sports played there (remember the ground was used for American Football matches in the nineties) and nor will it be used for concerts: Under the Bridge will go. As for where we play when we move out of Stamford Bridge, Wembley is looking the favourite. When asked that Spurs could have first refusal on Wembley the consultant replied “money talks.” As for prices of tickets when we move back no decision has been made yet. With the increased capacity there will be more seats available for members. At the moment there are only 8,000 seats available to members. Tickets may following the move back to the Bridge be given to residents. There will also be more areas for wheel-chair users and access and egress will be easier. There was a notice at the presentation which stated the average age of Chelsea fans is 50, the oldest of top flight clubs. Hopefully, with the increased capacity there will be an opportunity to reduce prices for youngsters and families.
