REAL MADRID are continuing to work on their Estadio Santiago Bernabeu redevelopment after being given the approval from the city’s council – but the update will reduce the capacity by one.
Los Blancos were granted permission in March to begin the major construction operation which will cost £500million.
The Estadio Santiago Bernabeu is undergoing a £500m makeover in the heart of the Spanish capitalCredit: AFP or licensors
There will be a retractable roof as well as a 360-degree electronic screen insideCredit: Real Madrid
They originally unveiled their ambitious new proposal for the famous venue more than five years ago with plans to new build a metallic shell, and a hotel on site.
A 360-degree screen, retractable roof and refurbished private boxes were all part of the revamp plan.
The Bernabeu’s makeover could take as long as five years to complete but the club have officially stated the date of completion to be October 2022.
But the changes to the ground will result in the new-look Bernabeu’s capacity taking a hit from 80,243…to 80,242.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said in 2016: “With this agreement, we will start a process of modernisation and transformation that will convert the stadium into an avant-garde architectural icon.
“This stadium will act as an economic and touristic invigorator and will contribute to strengthening the image of our city.”
The work is expected to take up to five years although the official estimate is half of thatCredit: AFP or licensors
The new design features a metallic wraparound outer layerCredit: Real Madrid
There are currently no matches going on at the Bernabeu – home of Real Madrid since 1947 – with LaLiga and the Champions League currently suspended.
Spain is on lockdown as Covid-19 ravages the country with more than 18,000 deaths and 172,000 confirmed cases.
Among those to have died from the illness is Lorenzo Sanz, Real’s former club president who delivered two Champions League titles during his time at the helm at the turn of the century.
Only the United States and Italy have seen more people lose their life as a result of the virus.
And with the stadium not needed to stage any Real games, the club have opened up the ground to help local hospitals.
Medical supplies donated to health workers will be stored in the LaLiga giants’ home as part of a partnership with the Spanish sports ministry.
In addition, Real are to assist in passing on donations made to hospitals by companies and business leaders.
The stadium is currently not hosting any matches due to the football season being suspendedCredit: AFP or licensors
The complex will feature plenty of area for fans to converge before kick off and hotels to stay in afterwardsCredit: Real Madrid
Los Blancos chief Florentino Perez is confident the redesign will bring touristic and financial success
A statement read: “The Santiago Bernabeu will offer a space that is equipped to store the donations of medical supplies required in the fight against this pandemic.
“All of the stored supplies will be passed on to the Spanish health authorities, under the authority of the Spanish government, so that the resources [that are] so necessary in the current health emergency are deployed in the best and most efficient manner.
“In addition, Real Madrid will provide a facility for organisations and businesses, particularly those belonging to the sports sector, to leave money or material donations that they wish to make to the Ministry of Health.”
The Santiago Bernabeu has been the iconic home of Real Madrid since 1947Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The redevelopment will see a reduction in the capacity of the venue…. by one seatCredit: AP:Associated Press
A car park will be replaced by a big outdoor area beside the stadiumCredit: Real Madrid
Work is underway at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for the redevelopmentCredit: AFP or licensors
The club announced in March that the ground would be used to help local hospitals by storing medical suppliesCredit: AFP or licensors
Workers were pictured wearing protective masks as they made headway with the stadium revampCredit: AFP or licensors
Despite the lockdown in Spain, workers have been busy making the initial progressCredit: AFP or licensors
Madrid’s city council approved the ambitious plans and gave the green light in MarchCredit: AFP or licensors
Real Madrid’s £500m plans to redevelop famous Santiago Bernabeu
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
