AC MILAN and Inter have moved a step closer to demolishing their iconic Stadio San Siro after it was declared to have “no cultural interest” by the city’s heritage board.
Last November, Milanese mayor Giuseppe Sala requested a commission to determine whether the Serie A ground could be torn down because of its historical position.
The Giuseppe Meazza is due to close its doors in the not too distant futureCredit: Reuters
A vast leisure and retail area is planned for the existing site
And on Friday, a verdict was delivered to proclaim that the San Siro has no official heritage status.
Opened in 1926, the 75,000-seater arena, officially known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, has undergone a series of renovations over the years – most notably in time for the 1990 World Cup.
It is because the board considered much of the structure to only date back to these refurbishments that it was considered to have no official heritage.
For that to be the case, more of the original San Siro would have to be prominent with assets dating back around 70 years required for this status, according to La Repubblica.
Although the heritage board do not have the power to authorise the overhaul of the venue and its surrounding areas, their opposition would have been a significant hurdle to the clubs’ plans.
Earlier this month, two proposals were presented for revamping not only the stadium but the surrounding area.
Two different proposals are on the table for the Milan sides’ new home
AC and Inter will continue to share their stadium after moving in together in 1947
Having discarded a £450million renovation of the San Siro, where fans are currently prevented from entering certain sections due to worrying oscillations in the structure, a wider project was undertaken.
Accompanying a 60,000-seater arena near the current venue will be a retail and sports district, requiring investment of around £875m.
Both Milan clubs are behind the proposals with mayor Sala also thought to be positive about the area’s revamp.
A recent statement on the joint plans by Populous and Manica/Sportium claimed: “It will be a hub dedicated to retail, sports, cultural and leisure activities both outdoors and indoors, including a running track, a cycle path, an outdoor gym, a skateboard park, a five-a-side pitch and sports museum.
AC Milan and Inter believe it is essential … as a cornerstone for the future development of the city of Milan and Italian football.”
“Most of the sports services will be available free of charge to the Milanese and citizens of the surrounding areas.
“Both concepts would deliver an innovative district dedicated to the next generation, cutting edge for its low environmental impact and high sustainability, creating a new meeting place for social and recreational activities in the neighbourhood.
“AC Milan and FC Internazionale Milano believe it is essential, especially in light of the current moment, to commence a project that represents more than one billion euros of private investment, which will generate thousands of new jobs and serve as a cornerstone for the future development of the city of Milan and Italian football.”
Incredible optical illusion which makes San Siro stadium columns look like they are moving
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
