Design & Development

Luxembourg stadium costs rise

The construction project for Luxembourg’s new national football stadium in the town of Kockelscheuer will cost 30% more than originally expected, the local council has revealed.

The venue, which is expected to open in May next year after the original deadline of October 2019 was postponed, was originally given a budget of €60m (£53m/$66m).

However, the local authority has cited errors in relation to the “calculation of the design offices”, as well as additional facilities requested by the police, football’s European governing body Uefa and the Luxembourg Football Federation for the price tag rising to €78m.

The authority said that it would pursue compensation in relation to the errors, but it has been reported that the state coffers will provisionally finance the additional costs. Central government has already covered about 70% of the initial construction cost.

The stadium, which will have a capacity of 9,385 for sports matches and up to 15,000 for concerts, will offer 5G connectivity.

A spokesperson for the local authority was quoted as saying: “This is a national project, so it is normal for the state to bear some of the additional cost.”

The council announced in December 2017 that it had selected a plan devised by architects Gerkan, Marg und Partner in partnership with design firm Beng.

When the work is completed, the stadium will have numerous food kiosks, press and security rooms, and a business club. The entrances will be in the corners of the stadium, with the VIP entrance being in the middle of the main stand.

The façade will have metallic cladding in a diamond shape, while a car park with 200 spaces will be located next to the stadium, with original plans to situate it below the venue having been shelved.

Image credit: GilPe