Another Belgian club is close to changing its stadium completely. This time SV Zulte Waregem announced works are to start immediately after the current league season ends.

On March 22 Zulte Waregem faces Lokeren in the Belgian Cup final. Should the recently formed club win, it goes European. If “Essevee” lose, they… may also reach Europa League or even Champions League as the club is currently fourth in the table. But in both cases their home stadium, Regenboog, doesn’t meet the criteria set by UEFA.

Redevelopment was announced already in late 2013, while yesterday representatives of the city and club announced immediate improvements for the stadium during a special press conference. Works are to start right after the current season ends.

First phase will see the capacity drop with all terraces converted to seating sections. The pitch needs to be widened, floodlights strengthened and media section upgraded.

All this, along with other minor works, should satisfy UEFA and allow Essevee to play at home if they qualify. If they don’t somehow, commercial manager of the club Pieter-Jan Vanschamelhout assured works will go on regardless.

After the €6 million worth first phase the stadium will only grow, leaving only the main western grandstand still standing.

The east side and both ends are to be built anew, giving 14,000 places, 12,000 of them seated. Possibly the terracing could be changed to seating if need be, leaving 13,000 for international games.

The first rendering presented with this article was produced by Goedefroo+Goedefroo Architecten, who are responsible for the entire masterplan. Total worth of the redevelopment is estimated to be kept within €22 million.