Hammersmith and Fulham Council have challenged Chelsea's claim that it is more expensive to redevelop Stamford Bridge than move to a new stadium.
Council feel it would be cheaper to redevelop Stamford Bridge
Hammersmith and Fulham Council have challenged Chelsea's claim that it would be more expensive to redevelop Stamford Bridge than move to a new stadium.
The club published a summary of a presentation they made a fortnight ago, outlining the reasons they felt it was unviable to increase the capacity of their home for the last 107 years.
But the council, who have vowed to do everything to keep the club in the borough, have suggested it would actually be "far more" expensive to relocate.
Deputy leader Nick Botterill said: "We cannot comment on the financial conclusions CFC have drawn but it is very likely that any move away from Fulham would cost far more than the £600million the club claims it would cost to rebuild its current ground or the cost of upgrading and expanding the existing Stamford Bridge structures.
"Stamford Bridge is Chelsea's historic home and the council believes it should be their future home.
Proud
"We want the Blues to stay at Stamford Bridge and - if it can be done sensibly without negatively affecting local people - increase the ground's capacity so they can retain their position as one of Europe's top clubs.
"We are proud to be the only borough in the country with three Premier League clubs and we do not want our local businesses and residents to lose out on the economic and social benefits that this brings.
"CFC is a thriving business which contributes significant benefits to the area and we will continue to work closely with CFC to explore all possible avenues for keeping the club here at their original home."
