The architectural mind working alongside the Ricketts family’s bid to buy Chelsea has named the stand he wants to change at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to The Athletic, Eric Nordness revealed that the East Stand was top of the transformation wish list, permitted the Ricketts family become the new owners of the Blues.
A bridge to a new stadium
Nordness led the major redevelopment of Wrigley Stadium, the home to the Chicago Cubs, who are also owned by the Ricketts family.
He will be set free on Stadium Bridge if the American-based consortium successfully replaces Roman Abramovich.
Refurbishing Chelsea’s ground is one of the priority points the Raine Group are looking for from the final four candidates.
Abramovich cancelled plans to revamp the arena in 2018 when his UK investor visa expired.
The team have been forced to watch on as several of their London rivals have moved out of their old structures into shiny new ones.
West Ham United acquired the London Stadium in 2016, previously the stage for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Tottenham Hotspur spent £1 billion (BBC) on building a state-of-the-art shell for the side.
Even the Emirates still has a gloss to it, despite being erected nearly two decades ago.
Each of the capital city clubs have a greater capacity than Chelsea, who can only fit around 41,00 bums on seats.
However, this could all change depending on which of the bidding quartet get their hands on the kingdom first.
Eric is eager to get building
If the Ricketts family win the race, then Nordness seemingly already knows which section of the stadium needs tinkering first.
“I’ve been working on multiple ideas with our architecture firm, Populous,” he said.
“I have decks of detailed plans. I’m trying to figure out the jigsaw puzzle now, the timing, the coordination.
“We know the East Stand, for instance, is where the players and media are based. It is also the oldest stand, built roughly in 1973.
“A stand’s useful life is about 60 years. It’s actually been maintained in amazing condition. O
“Our engineers have examined it top to bottom. But it’s towards the end. That’s the most natural stand that needs work, due to its age.”
Hopefully in place of the East Stand will come something even grander!
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