Neighborhood associations in the Bellavista-La Palmera district have called on the Seville City Council to halt the project for Betis' stadium. During a plenary session of the district's municipal board, a motion was passed to paralyze the new project until it is adapted to neighborhood requirements and safety standards.

Residents fear a decline in quality of life

The motion, prepared by the Parque Vivo del Guadaira association, was directed to the mayor of Seville, asking him to use his powers to prevent the occupation of the last remaining open space near the Benito Villamarín stadium. Residents fear it poses a risk to the coexistence and quality of life in the southern districts of the city, as well as safety concerns. They oppose the development of the 32,000 m² plot attached to the stadium, planned for service purposes.

The proposed tertiary uses, still poorly defined by developers, will impact mobility, air quality, and its 24/7, year-round operation will result in noise and light pollution, causing a clear decline in living conditions, not just in the immediate neighborhoods, but across the area, as already seen on game days.

We don’t want another Bernabéu in the south of the city, just a comfortable and safe football stadium. In their letter, the associations expressed serious concerns about safety recommendations for the stadium's perimeter and entry/exit points, as well as the need for an evacuation zone. We call for responsibility and the protection of citizens' rights. We want Sevilla and Betis to have the best stadiums, but let's protect the city from having two Bernabéus in Seville, with daily performances and concerts, said Susana Hornillo, spokeswoman for the Podemos–IU municipal group.

© Rafael de la-Hoz, Gensler

Motion passed

The vote saw 9 in favor, 5 against, and 10 abstentions. The approved motion clearly states:

• Firstly: Suspension of the administrative procedures related to the approval of the current Benito Villamarín New Stadium Planning Study and initiation of a new procedure that effectively considers the recommendations and safety guidelines from the Saint Dennis Convention and FIFA, in order to preserve the open space between the stadium and Doctor Fleming Street.
• Secondly: That the Seville City Council considers the fair and reasonable demands of residents affected by this project, which, if implemented, will undoubtedly alter their quality of life regarding mobility, outsourcing, air quality, noise, and light pollution.
• Thirdly: That any building permits, operational licenses, and/or event authorizations for the new stadium are issued only after a public assessment confirms that the new facilities meet appropriate safety conditions, in accordance with not only Spanish regulations but also FIFA and Council of Europe recommendations.

© Rafael de la-Hoz, Gensler