CD Eldense has presented eye-catching plans for a new stadium as part of its long-term ambition to secure a place in LaLiga, the top division of Spanish club football.
Eldense, which is based in the city of Elda in the province of Alicante, currently competes in the third-tier Primera Federación, but is currently top of Group 2 of the competition, with plans already in place for stadium improvements should it secure promotion to the Segunda División.
The stadium plans have been put forward by Eldense president Pascual Pérez, who also owns telecommunications company Finetwork, and call for the development of a new venue on the site of the club’s former home, the 8,000-capacity Estadio Pepico Amat.
A multi-functional stadium with a capacity of around 18,000 has been presented where, in addition to Eldense matches, other types of cultural events could be staged. The project includes the construction of an underground car park for 3,000 vehicles, as well as a hotel and commercial area.
Eldense said: “The (Elda City Council) government team has given the green light to the project presented by the club which, in the absence of the urban planning process and the relevant permits, could go ahead soon.
“With the idea of revitalising the area of the old stadium, the municipal technicians, together with those of the club, are in negotiations and studying the feasibility of the project to carry it out.”
The Estadio Pepico Amat was replaced by a new stadium of the same name in 2012. However, this venue has a capacity of around 4,000 and is now not deemed suitable for the club’s future ambitions.
The Council said in a statement: “Elda City Council and the Eldense Sports Club have met in recent months to study the best formula to build a new football stadium on the old Pepico Amat, thinking of a possible promotion of the club to the Segunda División.
“The government team has conveyed to the president of the club, Pascual Pérez, his total predisposition to facilitate a future project to expand the current stadium or remodel the old Pepico Amat and thanked him for the effort he is making for the oldest club in the city.
“In recent weeks, meetings have been held between technicians from the Elda City Council and technicians representing the club, with the intention of informing the Elda entity of the steps to follow and collaborating in this achievement.”
The Council said the club must now present a feasibility study for its plans for the old Pepico Amat site, adding: “The intention of the Elda City Council is to continue planning future actions in common with the first sports entity in the city, as it has been doing to date, through an economic agreement, through the transfer of playing and training grounds and through other additional collaborations.”
