More than two years after the design was submitted, the Romanian Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration has approved plans to build a new facility in the Black Sea resort of Constanta. The arena is to be the focal point of the sports complex that will be built around it.

FCV Farul Constanţa is a very young club registered in June 2021 and was formed by Farul's absorption of the Viitorulu team. Its main figures are two legends of Romanian football – main co-owner and manager Gheorghe Hagi and chairman Gheorghe Popescu. The team currently tops Liga I, with a seven-point lead over defending champions CFR Cluj. However, it should be mentioned that they have two matches less played. 

© Igloo Associated Architects

Looking at the dynamic development of football in Romania's largest port, consideration began to be given to build a modern facility in line with the highest European standards.  For the time being, FCV Farul Constanţa are forced to play their matches at the intimate Stadionul Central Academia Hagi due to the dire state of Stadionul Farul. However, this state of affairs is set to change at the beginning of 2025, as Stadionul Gheorghe Hagi is scheduled to be completed. The investment already has all the necessary permits in place and there is nothing to prevent it from starting.

The new stadium will be built on Primăverii Street on the site of its dilapidated predecessor. Its final capacity is expected to be 18,000. The pitch will have a hybrid turf with the necessary irrigation, drainage and heating systems. The huge commercial facilities will include training rooms, a conference centre, retail, catering, administrative and exhibition space. Such solutions are expected to help meet the requirements of the fourth and highest category of UEFA venues.

A modern sports town will be built around the arena. A 5,000-seat rugby stadium will be located in the immediate neighbourhood. In order to maintain a consistent architectural appearance, it is to have a fishing net-like facade, just like the future Farulu House. This is no coincidence, as Constanta has a very rich fishing tradition. There will also be a football training pitch and a tennis complex next to it, whose patron is to be Simona Halep, the best Romanian tennis player ever born and raised in the city. The largest of the six courts is to have covered stands with a capacity of 4,750 and meet the highest ATP and WTA criteria. Plans also include an intimate athletics facility with six tracks and an auditorium for 1,000 people. 

© Igloo Associated Architects

The construction cost of the entire project is valued at 533 million leu (€108 million) in 2020. The construction of Stadionul Gheorghe Hagi alone is expected to cost 240 million leu (€40 million). The calculation is from more than two years ago. It can be expected that through the prevailing global inflation, construction costs will increase. The contractor will be Romania's largest public developer, CNI. The complex will occupy an area of over 90,000 square metres on the site of the current sports base on Primăverii Street.