Chelsea Football Club has named Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands (LDS) as lead architects to explore how the club can increase stadium capacity at Stamford Bridge.

The London-based architectural firm will carry out a feasibility study to review different improvement options for the home of Chelsea, such as installing decking over the railway line to the east and north of the stadium.

Chelsea previously looked at moving away from the area, with Earls Court, White City and Battersea Power Station all mooted as possible locations.

However, the club faced opposition from supporters and opted for expansion instead of a move.

“A study of the area from Fulham Broadway town centre to Stamford Bridge and beyond has been commissioned by Chelsea Football Club’s owner Roman Abramovich,” read a statement from the club.

“This study will review the potential for improvements to publicly-owned areas along Fulham Road and the area around the football ground, including the possibility of decking over the railway lines to the east and north of the ground. This could create landscaped public walkways and cycleways, while also reducing pedestrian traffic on Fulham Road and nearby streets on match days.

“The study will also assess the feasibility of an expansion of the stadium within the existing historic site boundaries, potentially to enlarge its capacity, enhance its facilities and improve the movement of people and vehicles on match and non-matchdays.