There are only a handful of stadiums with this kind of layout. And by mid-2016 there will be one more, this time in German city of Erfurt.

In just over two weeks, in early January 2015, construction of new stands will begin in Erfurt. Or at least groundbreaking ceremony is planned then, because actual works won’t be launched until February.

Only the main grandstand will be left from the existing Steigerwaldstadion, though floodlight masts are also planned to be retained. Perhaps most notably, though, the stadium will also keep its running track, unlike many other redevelopments in Germany.

Instead of rectangular, the new stadium will resemble an octagonal shape. And despite the running track all new stands are supposed to be rather compact. Altogether the stadium will hold 18,500 people.

The HPP Architekten concept was selected along with Köster’s contractor bid in November 2014 as most viable scheme for Erfurt’s largest stadium redevelopment. From early drawings to delivery the project should cost €39.1 million, slightly over earlier €35m estimations.

Aesthetically red and white roof sheets will be the most significant element, forming a la-ola impression with their layout. This is associated with colours of both Rot-Weiss Erfurt, the land of Thüringen (major investor with €33.3m contribution) and the German athletic association.

Aside of the new stands also a new main office building will be created in the east. Offices will be joined by 15 small conference rooms and two large ones, allowing to host up to 2,000 people inside on various events.