FORMER German champions are set to undergo an incredible £65million stadium renovation.
And the capacity is set to increase by 50 per cent despite the club’s relegation last season.
Holstein Kiel were major players in German football in the early 20th century.
Die Storche were crowned national champions in the precursor to the Bundesliga in 1912 and were six-time Northern German championship winners between 1910 and 1930.
But they had to wait until 2024-25 to compete in the Bundesliga, formed in 1963.
However, their stay lasted just one season as Holstein Kiel were immediately relegated back to the second tier.
THAT’S MY ROY
Roy Keane tipped for Man Utd manager job ahead of Carrick to ‘set standards’
Ultra Black
Win a Volvo XC40 + £5,000 or £30,000 cash from just 25p with our code
Even so, the Kiel club are planning to redevelop their historic stadium.
Holstein Stadion has been their home ground since 1911 and has undergone 13 previous renovations.
But none of those have been as impressive or drastic as the stunning new plans.
Designs for the complete overhaul include a roof structure to reflect the city’s shipbuilding history.
And the capacity will jump from 15,034 to 22,087 – with just under half of those as standing spots.
The city’s website outlines the financing of the three-phase project, which will start at the end of next season with rebuilding the main stand and should all be completed by 2030.
Around £17m will be provided by state subsidies, another £17m in private funding, £9m from the city of Kiel and £22m through loans.
The website says the stadium update plans “strengthen Kiel’s position as a sporting location and promote many people’s identification with our city”.
It adds: “The comprehensive renovation will create a cohesive, modern structure with a clear architectural signature and maritime references, which will also embed the stadium more visually into the cityscape.
“The rib-like roof construction is reminiscent of shipbuilding and thus ties in with Kiel’s identity.
“The renovation of the stadium is an important sign of the further development of Kiel’s sports infrastructure and for the future of the traditional Holstein Kiel club.”
Architects HPP stated: “The comprehensive revitalisation will create a cohesive, modern structure with a clear architectural signature and maritime references, which will also embed the stadium more visually into the cityscape.”
Read the full article here