Chelsea Football Club (CFC) is looking into the possibility of developing a new stadium at London's Battersea Power Station site, which has remained unused since the early 1980s.

It follows the recent news that CFC had failed in a bid to acquire the freehold land on which its existing Stamford Bridge venue is located from Chelsea Pitch Owners.

The Premier League club has made no decision on whether to leave its current ground, but is aiming to ensure it can take advantage of the Battersea site if it is seen as a viable option.

According to media reports, Almacantar chief executive Mike Hussey has been appointed as development partner, while Kohn Pedersen Fox has been tasked with drawing up the plans.

A CFC spokesperson said: "In the past we've talked to various people with interests in Battersea Power Station, but we haven't had any substantive discussions with anyone regarding that site for several months.

"However, in light of current developments we now think it prudent to look again at the feasibility and potential for the site to be developed for a football stadium."

Although CFC is now investigating the possibility of moving to Battersea Power Station, the site is already earmarked for a major £5.5bn redevelopment led by Treasury Holdings.

Work is due to start on the Rafael Viñoly-designed project next year, with the plans including boast 700,000sq ft (65,032sq m) of restaurant and retail space, a hotel and a riverside park.

Image: David Samuel