Stadion OSiR w Zamościu – construction description

How did the redevelopment of the OSiR stadium in Zamość come about?

On May 30, 2022, Zamość received funding for two projects under the government's 'Polski Ład' fund, including the redevelopment of the OSiR stadium. The value of the funding was PLN 32 million. Renderings were published in early June, showing the modernisation concept.

In addition to the funds from the 'Polski Ład', it was also possible to obtain a PLN 7 million grant from the Ministry of Sport and Tourism for the investment. The rest of the amount was to be the city's own contribution (the cost of the investment was planned to be PLN 45-47 million). The tender for the construction was announced at the beginning of 2023.

Despite cost-saving changes made to the project, the cheapest bidder in the tender offered to carry out the works for just over PLN 58 million, significantly exceeding the assumed budget. City councilors, facing the threat of losing millions of zlotys in subsidies, voted in favor of issuing bonds to the value of PLN 15 million, thanks to which it was possible to tighten the budget and in May 2023 an agreement was signed with the contractor, which was a consortium of BUDMAT and InterHall.

When will the redevelopment of the OSiR stadium in Zamość be completed?

On May 20, 2023, the last match took place at the old OSiR stadium, in which Hetman Zamość beat Włókniarz Frampol 4:1 in a regional league match. Hetman then moved to the 'za Rotundą' pitch, and construction work started on the stadium, which began with the demolition of the earth embankments.

The reconstruction of the stadium is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, and the city is also seeking further grants to enable the implementation of elements removed from the project as savings.

What does the concept for the redevelopment of the Zamość stadium include?

The concept for the redevelopment of the stadium in Zamość can be viewed on a separate subpage

The project involves the complete reconstruction of the stadium. The earth embankments around the running track, which previously housed the stands, will be demolished. Only the main stand will be retained and will undergo modernization. On its sides, two new covered stand segments will be built, based on a reinforced concrete framework. Audience capacity will be 1,760.

A new eight-lane tartan track with athletics facilities (jumps, throwing areas) will be installed. There will also be a new referee tower, ticket offices, toilets and other associated facilities.

Initially, a broader scope of work was planned, but due to savings, the project was cut back in some respects: the scope of paving and footpaths was reduced, the heated turf and 'balloon' covered training pitch were abandoned, as well as the construction of a stand on the east side and two segments of the stands on the curves.

Why was the redevelopment project for the Zamość stadium controversial?

The project has aroused considerable emotion and controversy. It was strongly opposed by Hetman supporters in its proposed form. Opponents accused it of a lack of cohesion and aesthetics, unprofessional workmanship, and shortcomings such as the lack of a stand for visiting supporters, the lack of floodlights and the high cost in relation to the expected results, comparing unfavorably with other similar investments in Poland.

The fact that the project was able to benefit from multi-million subsidies and the need to renovate the stadium, which was in imminent danger of even being taken out of use due to its poor technical condition, was a factor in favor of the project.