As envisaged before, construction permit for redevelopment of Stade Félix-Bollaert has been signed by mayor of Lens. City officials had to correct their financial input, though. Info-stades.fr story.

Just as the city announced last week, Monday (Aug 27) saw signing of construction permit by Lens mayor. Or should we say reconstruction, as Stade Félix-Bollaert will retain some of its elements after the revamp.

With the seemingly last obstacle removed, construction should start early next year, leaving enough time to finish ahead of Euro 2016.

Deputy mayor Guy Delcourt used this occasion to correct what has been said at last week’s press conference. The city’s financial involvement remains at planned level of €20 million, but it won’t be provided by annual budget. The money will be a 20-year grant that the city is to repay.

Remaining information remains up-to-date, so just as a reminder – the project is to cost over €70 million of which €20m will come from the city, €25m from Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, €12m from the state and finally €30m will be covered by a loan from Credit-Agricole, majority shareholder of RC Lens.