Presentation of the stadium remodelling: general contractor and stadium architect present designs
Mayor Ludwig: Stadium as a boost for sport and the regional economy - review completed: EU Commission has no objections
The new stadium for Chemnitz: Mayor Barbara Ludwig and CFC club chairman Dr Mathias Hänel presented the stadium project to around 250 guests - including city councillors, representatives of the fans and sponsors as well as the team - on Thursday evening. They did so together with Axel Eichholtz, Managing Director of BAM Sports GmbH, which was awarded the contract as general contractor together with BAM Deutschland AG, and Dr Stephan Nixdorf, the architect of the new stadium.
The stadium design and the current planning status were presented in detail in discussions with the guests. They discussed technical requirements as well as special components such as the "fan scarf", a design element that wraps around the façade of the main building and forms an emotional connection between the arena and its visitors. The main building itself - directly on the stadium perimeter - will be a unique selling point of the Chemnitz stadium. In addition, its design echoes the window shape of the current building. Another special detail of the stadium architecture are the striking supports on the outside of the stands. The layout of the individual floors, on which the team rooms, the future business lounge and function rooms will be located, were also presented.
BAM is currently working on the implementation and approval planning. Once this has been finalised, the building application will be submitted.
"I am delighted that we can finally present the new stadium and that it is now tangible that things are really getting underway," said Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig. "Chemnitz football has been waiting a long time for this. The stadium on Gellertstraße will be 80 years old next year - so it's about time." The stadium renovation is not only a boost for sport, but also for the region's trades and economy.
"In our view, BAM's winning design fits in very well with the city centre character of our traditional Gellertstraße location. We hope that the imminent start of construction will provide a boost for the CFC," said CFC CEO Dr Mathias Hänel.
"We are delighted to be able to utilise our experience for such an exciting project. We have already demonstrated the particular challenge of creating something new during ongoing match operations in other projects. What is special: The Chemnitz stadium will have a barrier-free main stand. That is extraordinary. From the very beginning, the city and the club have attached great importance to creating good access options for everyone," explains Axel Eichholtz, Managing Director of BAM Sports GmbH.
"The new stadium has been developed in the awareness of the club's long tradition and the task of creating a modern, safe, family-friendly and sustainable stadium. The design idea for the stadium is therefore a combination of tradition and modernity. This concept is clearly reflected in the floodlight masts visible from afar. Visitors are guided by the same elements both yesterday and tomorrow," says stadium architect Dr Stefan Nixdorf.
Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig was also able to announce further good news on Thursday evening: No objections were raised in the European Commission's investigation into state aid law - which centred on the construction of the stadium and the question of its use by the CFC.
Keyword stadium
The remodelling of the stadium on Gellertstraße is to take place without interrupting match operations and with a maximum budget of 25 million euros. A modern arena with 15,000 seats is planned, of which around 9,000 will be seated and 6,000 standing, including a family block and barrier-free seating. The client is the city of Chemnitz. Further information and images: www.chemnitz.de