German Bundesliga football club SC Freiburg has been boosted by the news that a request to halt the construction of its new stadium has been rejected by the local court.
Local residents had filed a lawsuit against the building permit issued by the Freiburg Regional Council, citing noise disturbances as a major concern. The suit has now been rejected, paving the way for Freiburg to continue with the project as planned.
Residents had argued that noise caused by the stadium during so-called “rest periods” would be above the permitted guidelines. Concerns had also been raised over the amount of traffic that would be created on match days.
The court found that such issues are not likely to be a problem during normal operating hours. Clarification is still needed with regards to noise pollution between 10pm and 10:30pm but the court found no reason to suspend the building permit. The plaintiffs still have the opportunity to appeal the decision.
Martin Horn, Lord Mayor of Freiburg, said: “We are happy, together with the stadium company, and are relieved about the decision of the court. The last hurdle in stadium construction is now successfully overcome. And it is also a confirmation of the meticulous work of the city departments. That’s why my thanks go to everyone involved. I am aware of how much energy and commitment these phases have demanded of all.”
Freiburg’s new 34,700-seat stadium, which is set to be built near the city’s municipal airport, is scheduled for completion in time for the 2020-21 season. Around 36 per cent of the stadium’s capacity will be dedicated to safe standing, which equates to around 12,400 supporters.
Freiburg has played at the Schwarzwald-Stadion since it opened in 1954. The stadium currently has a capacity of around 24,000 for Bundesliga matches.
Image: SC Freiburg
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