Lohrheidestadion – design description

How did the modernisation of Lohrheidestadion happen?

At the end of 2019, the first information about the planned redevelopment of Lohrheidestadion in Wattenscheid, the western district of Bochum, emerged. A year later, on November 17, 2020, the modernisation of the stadium was jointly declared by the North Rhine-Westphalia Secretary for Sport and Volunteering, Andrea Milz, and the Bochum Mayor, Thomas Eiskirch. On September 29, 2022, the Bochum City Council voted unanimously to go ahead with the project.

For what purpose was the modernisation of Lohrheidestadion planned?

The aim of the planned modernisation was to consolidate Lohrheidestadion's position as the leading athletics facility in North Rhine-Westphalia and to adapt it for the possible organisation of athletics competitions at the FISU World University Games (Universiade) in 2025 (at the time, the Ruhr region applied for the rights to organise this competition; in May 2021, this bid was accepted). After modernisation, the facility will retain its football function and will also be used for concerts and other cultural events.

What does the redevelopment concept for Lohrheidestadion involve?

The redevelopment concept for Lohrheidestadion was prepared by HPP Architekten. The vision is to build a new main stand on the west side, to roof the stands on the arches (making the stadium auditorium fully covered) and to modernise the east stand (renovation of the roof, replacement of seats). The new west stand will have facilities and a hospitality area for 800 visitors, as well as special areas for wheelchair users and the visually impaired.

The capacity of the entire venue will increase slightly to 16,387 spectators, of which 8020 will be seated (stands along the pitch). The south side of the facility will be fitted with noise barriers. The plan also includes the refurbishment of the changing rooms in the nearby sports hall. The whole stadium will be given a more coherent look, with higher stands along the pitch and lower ones on the curves and matching details.

A new athletics training track will be built around the stadium, as well as an unheated hall. In addition, the Rot Weiss Leithe club is to receive a new building. New car parks with charging stations for electric cars are also to be created.

The development project includes a number of sustainability measures. Photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roof of the grandstand, as well as the sports hall and the Rot Weiss Leithe building, which will fully meet the facility's electricity needs; the roofing of the stadium's other stands will be prepared for the possible installation of further panels in the future. The stadium is also expected to use rainwater and geothermal energy.

When will Lohrheidestadion be rebuilt?

The cost of rebuilding the stadium, including possible price increases in the construction market, has been estimated at €55 million (the original estimate was €41 million). Funding will come from the city and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Baugesellschaft Walter Hellmich GmbH has been selected as the contractor for the work, and the investment is to be carried out by assmann gruppe in cooperation with the Institut für Sportstättenberatung. The modernisation is due to start in spring 2023 and last until summer 2025, with the facility expected to retain limited functionality during the works.