Chelsea: Todd Boehly consortium already in talks over Stamford Bridge redevelopment

Todd Boehly’s consortium have already begun talks over a redevelopment of Stamford Bridge if they win the race to buy Chelsea.

Plans for the stadium are considered key to the selection process, with four bidders shortlisted by US bank Raine Group.

Boehly has teamed up with property developer Jonathan Goldstein, which brings expertise in that area to his proposal.

They are already talking to the former project director for Roman Abramovich’s abandoned redevelopment, David Hickey. Architect Janet Marie Smith has also been consulted.

She has worked on a host of stadium renovations in America, including Oriole Park, Atlanta’s Olympic Stadium, the Boston Red Sox’s Fenway Park and more than £200million worth of improvements to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Todd Boehly’s consortium are one of four shortlisted bidders set to submit final offers for Chelsea
AFP via Getty Images

Despite planning permission on Chelsea’s proposed 60,000-seater stadium expiring two years ago, Hickey only left his role as project director in December, meaning he has the most up-to-date knowledge of that scheme.

His other major work in London includes Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and heading up infrastructure for the 2012 Olympic Park venues.

Boehly, the Ricketts family, Sir Martin Broughton and Stephen Pagliuca are all fine-tuning their bids for Chelsea before the April 11 deadline for final offers.

All have been asked to commit an additional £1bn of funding, which includes development of the Bridge.

The Ricketts’ have the experience of rebuilding the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field stadium, which cost up to £760m.

Development plans for Stamford Bridge are a crucial factor in the takeover process
AFP via Getty Images

They also have the financial might of US hedge fund manager Ken Griffin behind them. He is worth around £20bn.

The added funding being demanded by Raine is also expected to cover investment in the first team to keep Chelsea competing at the highest level in Europe and other development around the club.

Raine hope to submit a preferred bid to the Treasury by April 18.

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