Sustainable development committee approved the plan of revamping Bernabeu. If the city council approves it (and it will!), reconstruction may begin already this summer.

In February Real and the city of Madrid were celebrating after having reached an agreement on Santiago Bernabeu redevelopment. The consensus followed years of prolonged disputes regarding the project's scale and legality.

Yesterday another milestone was reached as the Committee for Sustainable Development also approved the 'special plan' which includes stadium revamp and creation of quality leisure spaces around it.

All that's needed now is ratification of the city council. Councillors are meeting on May 30 to vote on this issue and the only expected result is an overwhelming approval. Three out of four political fractions in the council announced their support, while the fourth one is expected to abstain rather than oppose.

Altogether these decisions mean Real can begin reconstruction of their home ground this summer. The project is expected to last long 39 months and will be carried out during regular matchday use. For that reason it's expected that most crucial works will happen during the summers of 2018 and 2019, between seasons. Delivery is hoped to be 2021.

Reconstruction will not increase the capacity of Bernabeu, contrary to Real's initial plans, which suggested growth to 93,500 seats. The stadium's overall standard will grow beyond comparison, though.

Among the changes planned are the moving of offices to Los Blancos' Valdebebas sports complex and training ground, which will free up 8,000 square meters.

Expanded facilities, particularly for corporate clients, a new hotel, panoramic giant screen, retractable roof, multimedia facades and underground parking spaces are the most important features on the long list of upgrades worth an estimated €400 million.