Chelsea’s study into the possible expansion of Stamford Bridge is entering its next phase with the club set to present their plans to residents and supporters.
Billionaire Blues owner Roman Abramovich last year ordered a study of the area from Fulham Broadway to Stamford Bridge and beyond to examine the the potential of upgrading the streetscape as well as the stadium.
Twelve months on and the process is now moving onto a local consultation phase with the club set to explain the rationale for expansion.
Local stakeholders, Hammersmith & Fulham residents, season ticket holders and club members will be invited to comment on the proposals between June 30 and July 2 and their feedback will inform the next stage of the study.
Chelsea say this is driven by spectator demand for more seats and the need to increase stadium revenue to remain competitive with rivals and comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
Europe's top football stadiums in pictures:
Stamford Bridge's capacity currently sits at 41,837, leaving Chelsea lagging behind the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United as well as the rest of Europe’s elite stadia.
GetWestLondon understands improvement work could push the capacity to approaching 60,000.
The club have been looking into the possibility of installing decking over the railway lines to the east and north of the ground.
This could create landscaped public walkways and cycleways, while also reducing pedestrian traffic on Fulham Road and nearby streets on matchdays.
Chelsea had previously looked in to building a new stadium at Earls Court, White City and Battersea Power Station but are now firmly focused on redeveloping their current home.
See if you can identify the Bridge, along with the rest of last season's Premier League grounds, with our quiz:
