Stade Yves Allainmat – design description

What does Stade Yves Allainmat look like?

FC Lorient's stadium, formally owned by the city, has been in existence since 1959. The facility replaced the former Parc des Sports of 1924, which stood on the opposite side of rue Jean Le Coutaller (a lycée was built in its place). The new stadium was initially equipped with a concrete cycling track. The facility is known as Stade du Moustoir (after the name of the area), although since 1993 its patron has been the former mayor of Lorient, Yves Allainmat.

After FC Lorient's historic promotion to the top division in 1998, however, the stadium underwent major changes: a new stand behind the west goal was opened in 1998, followed a year later by the opening of the new north stand. The next stage of redevelopment was the opening of the new stand behind the eastern goal in 2010.

How did the plans for further modernisation of Stade Yves Allainmat come about?

The natural continuation of the work already carried out seemed to be the replacement of the old main (south) stand from 1959, which would complete the whole redevelopment. This was also the plan when FC Lorient were promoted back to Ligue 1 in 2020.

However, as there had previously been no coherent vision for the stadium, with the various new stands under construction differing from each other, consideration began to be given to a more comprehensive solution that would integrate everything into one whole.

When the city launched an architectural concept competition on September 29, 2022, the guidelines, in addition to the construction of a new main stand, also included a number of other aspects involving the modernisation of the entire facility.

When was the concept for the modernisation of Stade Yves Allainmat selected?

Fifty-two national and international entities entered the architectural competition announced by the city, from which three were selected at the end of 2022: AIA together with Atelier 360, Chaix et Morel and Populous together with Nomade Architectes.

After a detailed review of their proposals, it was announced on June 29, 2023 that the concept prepared by the Chaix et Morel studio from Paris, which had previously created, among other things, the project to upgrade Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne prior to Euro 2016, had been selected.

What does the concept for the modernisation of Stade Yves Allainmat entail?

The vision by Chaix et Morel calls for the construction of a new main (south) stand to replace the old 1959 structure, the modernisation of the other parts of the stadium and their integration through changes to the corners, the construction of a joint roof over the entire auditorium, and a façade created from wooden and aluminum slats. Lighting masts will also be removed in favor of floodlights placed on the edge of the roof.

The capacity of the stands will not change much and will reach 17,000 spectators on completion. The modernisation of the stadium is expected to raise its standard as well as its commercial possibilities. Attention has also been paid to environmental and sustainability aspects (including photovoltaic panels on the roof). The surroundings of the venue will also be revitalized where a new skatepark is to be created.

When will the modernisation of Stade Yves Allainmat be carried out?

It is assumed that the redevelopment could begin in 2024. In the first phase, primarily a new main stand is to be built by 2025, with further work to be carried out by 2028. The cost of the investment is estimated to be around €41.5 million. The burden of financing is to be split between the budgets of the agglomeration municipality, the department, the region and also the club, although there is no agreement yet on the proportions.