With Hammersmith and Fulham council calling on Chelsea FC to stay at Stamford Bridge, this week’s Estates Gazette Big Question was all about football.
The survey asked more than 450 property professionals where they thought the Blues should play. More than half (56.4%) agreed with the council and said the club should stay at Stamford Bridge. A third (33%) said it should move to Battersea.
Respondents were strongly (74%) in favour of stadia being used to help urban regeneration.
“How about looking at the regenerative benefits of the Manchester City stadium and sports campus in East Manchester?” asked Rob Turley, principal of Rob Turley Consultancy.
“The new Amex Community Stadium in Brighton provides jobs, social benefits and has given the local business community a massive boost,” said Keith Brinsmead, a partner at Parsons Son & Basley.
However, others disagreed. “Much depends upon the approach of local decision makers,” said David Butterfield, director of Andid.
“In Stoke, where I live and hold a season ticket for Stoke City, the football club’s success in achieving and maintaining Premiership status has not contributed anything like enough to the town due to the football ground’s position outside any area with potential for spin-off economic investment.”
“Football is a fab game and I love it, but there is absolutely no chance I would want to live near any arterial route to a stadium,” added another respondent.
