Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron has obtained approval from Hammersmith and Fulham council’s planning committee to proceed with construction of the £500m Chelsea Football Club stadium in London.
The new stadium will completely replace the existing venue at Stamford Bridge, and will feature an increased seating capacity of 60,000 seats from the existing 20,000 seats, reported Archdaily.com.
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Drawing inspiration from the Gothic architecture and Victorian-era brick terraces, its structure will consist of more than 260 sculptural brick pillars which will lend support to the steel ring above the pitch, architecture magazine Dezeen reports.
The stadium will be designed in such a way that its external appearance will be more open, transitioning from the outer brick walls to a visually spatious structure.
Citing a report, case officer John Sanchez was quoted by Dezeen as saying that the new proposal 'builds upon the historic context of previous stadia on the site'.
Sanchez added: "The resulting design is a high-quality piece of design and a unique architectural solution.
"It would have the landmark qualities of a significant sporting venue with a clear identity, and would declutter and unify the site."
Designed by Scottish architect Archibald Leitch, Stamford Bridge was constructed in 1876, and originally was used as an athletics club. In 1905, it became the home ground for Chelsea.
Subject to approval from London Mayor Sadiq Khan and other permissions, construction of the stadium is expected to be complete in 2020.
