Stadion OSiR w Zamościu – design description

What were the initial concepts for the redevelopment of the OSiR stadium in Zamość?

Due to its deteriorating technical condition and failure to meet modern standards, the Sports and Recreation Center (Ośrodek Sportu i Rekreacji – OSiR) in Zamość took steps to carry out a comprehensive modernisation of the OSiR stadium. On behalf of OSiR, the Vitaro company produced design documentation, which was handed over to the contracting authority at the end of 2020. The reconstruction concept was made public on January 19, 2021, during a meeting of the Education, Culture, Sport, Tourism and City Promotion Committee.

Councilors, representatives of sports clubs and the supporters' community were consulted on the project. In February 2021, a second concept was produced, differing from the previous vision. Changes included moving the long jump behind the northern curve of the running track, allowing the main stand to be closer to the pitch, and increasing the height of the planned new stands. Both concepts contributed to discussions about the future shape of the stadium, but neither was adopted for implementation.

When was the latest concept for the redevelopment of the OSiR stadium in Zamość developed?

On 30 May 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. At the beginning of June, further renderings were published, showing the new modernisation concept.

What were the assumptions of the new vision for the redevelopment of the stadium in Zamość?

According to the project, the earth embankments on which the current stands were located were to be demolished. Only the main stand was to be retained. The embankments were to be partly replaced by new, reinforced concrete spectator sections. The stadium was to receive a new football pitch and an eight-track athletics track with additional athletics facilities (jumps, throwing areas).

The project included the rearrangement of the entire surroundings. Also planned was the reconstruction of the training pitch, which was to be equipped with a so-called balloon, allowing protection from adverse weather conditions. A new referee tower, ticket offices, toilets and other associated facilities were also to be built.

According to the initially presented vision, the new stands were to consist of six separate modules. On the eastern side, a long covered stand was planned, stretching along the entire pitch. On the opposite side, the stands were to be divided into three sections, with the renovated main stand forming the central section.

On the western side, at the beginning of the curves, the last two stand modules were to be built. The remaining, larger part of the arches would remain open, without seats for spectators. All new stands (apart from the main stand) were to be fully roofed. In total, the stadium was to hold just under 5,000 spectators.

When was the tender for the redevelopment of Hetman Zamość's stadium announced?

In addition to the funds from ‘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.

What changes have been made to the stadium redevelopment project in Zamość?

In order to make savings, some elements of the project were cut back: the scope of paving works and footpaths was reduced, the heated turf and indoor training pitch, covered with the so-called 'balloon', as well as the construction of the eastern stand and two segments of the stands on the curves were abandoned.

The reduced project now envisaged a renovated football and athletics stadium with stands on the west side only. The demolished embankments were to be replaced by empty spaces. The stands on the west side would consist of three segments (including the modernized main stand) and hold a total of 1,760 spectators.

Why did the redevelopment project for the Zamość stadium cause controversy?

The project has aroused considerable emotion and controversy. Hetman fans were strongly against its implementation in the proposed form. Opponents of the concept accused it of a lack of coherence and aesthetics, unprofessional execution and shortcomings such as the lack of a stand for guest supporters, the lack of floodlights and the high cost in relation to the expected results, comparing unfavorably with other similar investments in Poland.

A fact in favor of the project was the possibility of benefiting from multi-million subsidies, as well as the need to renovate the stadium, which was in imminent danger of even being taken out of use due to its poor technical condition.

How much will the redevelopment of the stadium in Zamość cost?

Despite the reduction in the scope of tasks, 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 in subsidies, voted in favor of issuing bonds worth PLN 15 million. Thanks to the councilors' decision, the budget was tightened and in May 2023 an agreement was signed with the contractor, which was a consortium of BUDMAT and InterHall.

When will the OSiR stadium in Zamość be rebuilt?

You can see coverage of the redevelopment of the OSiR stadium in Zamość on a separate subpage

On May 20, 2023, the last match was played at the old OSiR stadium, in which Hetman Zamość defeated Włókniarz Frampol 4:1 in the regional competition. 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.