Chelsea team hires architect for Battersea stadium plan

The architect behind the failed £5.5billion restoration of Battersea power station has teamed up with a new bidder planning a 60,000-capacity stadium for Chelsea FC on the site.

Uruguayan Rafael Vinoly, who drew up an ambitious "masterplan" for the Grade II* listed landmark, has agreed to work with architect KPF on its football ground proposal.

The surprise collaboration comes just a week after the Irish developers who originally hired Mr Vinoly five years ago went into administration.

It is the third time schemes to restore the former power station have collapsed since its closure in 1983.

Talks between Mr Vinoly, KPF and its development partner Almacantar are at an early stage but are seen as a sign of the seriousness of the Chelsea stadium plan.

Mike Hussey, chief executive officer at Almacantar, said: "I have asked Rafael Vinoly to help KPF. He comes with vast experience of dealing with Wandsworth council and he is a very inspiring architect."

However, Wandsworth council's planning chairman, Nick Cuff, told Estate Gazette: "It is very difficult to see an occupier like Chelsea delivering around our existing vision."

Cuff would expect any developer or investor to "buy into the Northern line extension" from Kennington via Nine Elms, requiring a £200 million funding contribution to its costs.