Spain: El Plantío awaits modernisation. Will club and city manage to break impasse?
source: StadiumDB.com; author: Jakub Ducki
El Plantío has been in need of modernisation for a long time. However, despite the agreement reached between the club and the city authorities, the implementation of the new stand project is in doubt. Will it be possible to complete this key element of the concession in time?
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Concession contract requirement and missed deadlines
According to the contract signed between the city of Burgos and the club, one of the main requirements was that the project for the new stand be submitted by 5 April this year. However, at a meeting held at the town hall with the participation of, among others, mayor Cristina Ayala, councillors for urban planning and sport and club representatives - president Marcelo Figoli and general manager Alejandro Grandinetti - it was confirmed that this deadline would not be met.
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During the discussions, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, the city expressed concern about the lack of progress on the project. At the same time, it was stressed that the previous documentation submitted by Burgos CF contained formal flaws, which prevented it from being approved. The new project, which the club has committed to prepare, must comply with current urban planning regulations.
From 11,500 to 18,000 seats
Despite the delays, Burgos CF representatives have assured that the expansion of El Plantío remains a priority. The new project involves increasing the capacity of the stadium from the current 11,300 seats to 18,000, to be carried out in stages. One of the first steps is the construction of a new stand and the elevation of the south sector of the stadium.
The planned modernisation is not limited to increasing the number of seats. In the longer term, the project also involves transforming the space around the stadium to allow for commercial and recreational activities. However, the implementation of such changes requires a modification of the overall urban development plan.
El Plantío's current capacity is 11,300 seats, of which more than 9,000 are occupied by pass holders. This makes the number of seats available for visitors very limited for matches against teams with high fan mobilisation, such as the recent one against Deportivo de La Coruña. Thus, the stadium, although sufficient for the club's daily needs, does not meet the requirements of the Spanish second division in terms of capacity and infrastructure.
The expansion of the stadium is therefore crucial, not only for the comfort of fans, but also to increase the club's matchday income. An increase in capacity to 18,000 seats could significantly improve Burgos CF's financial situation, especially with the growing number of supporters of the team.
Administrative challenges and future of project
One of the main issues holding the project back is formal urban planning issues. The first project presented exceeded the permitted development area and did not meet the legal requirements. The city insists that a new, more refined documentation is needed.
At the meeting, Mayor Cristina Ayala expressed her doubts that the project would be implemented as originally intended. The club has to submit the reconsideration act by 5 April and it is clear that this is not going to happen, so we need to address why it will not arrive by that date and what they are going to do,
the mayor stressed.
Despite the challenges, the president of Burgos CF, Marcelo Figoli, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the talks and assured the club's commitment to expedite the work. The municipality, in turn, asked for procedures to be shortened as much as possible to avoid further delays.
The project roadmap now involves the preparation of new documentation, which will then be assessed by the relevant municipal authorities. Once positive opinions are obtained, construction work can begin.
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