The City of Zagreb has fired the starting gun on the complete redevelopment of the Stadion Kranjčevićeva, a project that is set to be the precursor to the delivery of a new Stadion Maksimir.
The foundation stone has been laid on what will be the first new stadium in the Croatian capital in 55 years. This comes after the City in December presented plans for the project, which will be a temporary home for the Croatian national team and HNL club GNK Dinamo Zagreb ahead of the intended delivery of a replacement for the historic Maksimir.
Stadion Kranjčevićeva currently houses Dinamo’s HNL rival, NK Lokomotiva, and will more than double in seating capacity under the plans. City-owned Stadion Kranjčevićeva first opened in 1921 and under the €44m (£37.5m/$49.9m) project, fully funded from the City budget, will be transformed.
Capacity will increase from 5,350 seats to 11,163, with the new stadium falling in line with UEFA category four requirements. In addition to the stadium itself, the complex will include infrastructure facilities such as a new 6,300 square metre city square, a parking lot with over 400 spaces, and supporting facilities for athletes and fans.
Special emphasis has been placed on energy-efficient technologies, including a 1 MW solar power plant, which will significantly contribute to energy independence. The Croatian arm of Austrian construction company Strabag will deliver the new stadium, with the 18-month project expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
Mayor of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević, said: “This is a historic day for Zagreb football. Since 1969, when the southern stand of Maksimir was built, Zagreb has not received a new football stadium with all four stands.
“Many have heard about the new stadium for decades and do not believe that it will actually happen. However, the works have begun and in 18 months we will have a new stadium in Kranjčevićeva Street, and after that in 2029 in Maksimir.”
The reconstruction of Stadion Kranjčevićeva is a prerequisite for the development of the new Maksimir, which the City of Zagreb will deliver in cooperation with the Croatian Government.
This project was presented in February. The current Stadion Maksimir has a capacity of around 26,000 and the capacity of the new venue will be around 35,000.
Speaking at the Stadion Kranjčevićeva ceremony, Croatian Football Federation (HNS) secretary general, Tomislav Svetina, said: “The city deserves not one, but two stadiums. Kranjčevićeva is in the hearts of all Zagreb residents.
“We are looking forward to the new stadium being built here, right here where the first match in Zagreb was played. I want Dinamo and Lokomotiva to successfully play together at Maksimir, and then at this new stadium.”