News revives chances of landmark getting a Rafael Vinoly revamp

Chelsea Football Club has announced it is one of the bidders for Battersea Power Station.

The club has been working since last year with Rafael Viñoly and developer Almacantar on possible plans for a new stadium on the 15ha site.

The news that it submitted a formal bid by today’s midday deadline revives hopes that Viñoly’s involvement with the power station is not over.

The grade II* landmark has consent for an ambitious scheme by the architect for previous owner Treasury Holdings. But the scheme went into administration last year.

It was put up for sale on the open market through Knight Frank which reported it had conducted 100 views in two months.

The only other bidder to have announced a bid is an Indian property consortium calling itself BPS Acquisition.

However other names said to be in the frame include Hutchison Whampoa, which owns Lots Road power station across the river, Godfrey Bradman, London & Regional, Berkeley and Delancey.

In a statement issed today, Chelsea said: “Working with architects and planning experts we have developed a plan to preserve all the significant aspects of Battersea Power Station.

“The four iconic chimneys and wash towers along with the grade II* listed west turbine hall and control room will be restored and retained in their original locations and provide a unique architectural backdrop to a world-class stadium with a capacity of around 60,000 seats.”

It said its scheme would also include a town centre with “substantial” retail, affordable housing and offices. The club also vowed to make a significant contribution towards the Northern Line Extension.

However, the Champions League finalist insisted it had not decided whether to leave its existing ground, Stamford Bridge in Fulham.

Commentators said Chelsea faced an uphill bid since Edward Lister, Boris Johnson’s chief of staff and former Wandsworth council chief, who said the site was not suitable for a stadium.