Rome’s Stadio Flaminio has been proposed for inclusion in a project designed to revitalise the northern area of the Italian capital.
The Citta Celeste website said ‘Progetto per la Città’ involves the redevelopment of an area spanning around 136 hectares, with architect Francesco Bellini, director of PEI Engineering, having prepared a proposal that will be sent to the Municipality of Rome.
Multi-sport organisation Polisportiva SS Lazio would be granted what is claimed will be the world’s largest sports park, with facilities for football, rugby union, hockey, basketball, volleyball and tennis.
The Flaminio will reportedly be included under the proposal by housing a museum for Polisportiva SS Lazio, as well as the ability to host concerts and other entertainment events. However, Bellini conceded that the Flaminio will not be part of Serie A football club Lazio’s efforts to develop a new stadium.
Bellini said: “I spoke several times with (Lazio chairman Claudio) Lotito, who was presented with the area, but he always declared that he wanted to build a stadium in another location. This initiative certainly does not take away space from Lazio Calcio, which indeed can only benefit from it.”
The latest news comes amid continuing uncertainty over the future of the Flaminio. Work commenced on the redevelopment of the facility in October, with the ultimate goal at the time reported to be its return as the home of Italian rugby union.
The stadium was first opened in 1959 ahead of Rome’s staging of the 1960 summer Olympic Games. It was the home of Italy’s rugby union team for its entry into the Six Nations competition in 2000 through to 2011, when the team moved to play at the Stadio Olimpico.
The facility has been left derelict for a number of years, but has been lined up for a three-phase renovation project.
Image: Blackcat
