- September 12, 2017
- Posted by: SportsV
- Categories: Home News, Industry News, News, Press Releases
Hertha BSC recently unveiled the results of a site analysis survey concerning the possibility of a new stadium, with the sites for consideration identified and the key driver components for each compared and contrasted.
Hertha BSC have long made their intentions clear that they would like to build a 55,000-capacity soccer arena in the Olympiapark by 2025.
Speaking at the presentation of the site analysis survey in terms of the possibility of a new stadium, Club President, Werner Gegenbauer, said this would be:
Privately financed… without impacting a listed landmark.
After being commissioned by the Club, the architecture and planning office of Albert Speer + Partner (AS+P) reviewed over 50 potential sites for a new stadium both inside and outside of the Berlin city boundary. The most important factors considered in this review were: area, connections to public transport, local environment, public image, availability, development opportunities and risk of conflict.
The following results were found:
• Many of the sites, which seemed suitable at first were eliminated, and the remaining places were reduced down following a detailed analysis process
• The Olympiapark fills all the requirements presented by the Club. The park, a large area overlooked by the Olympiastadion itself, is unanimously the best of the areas chosen by the Club
Hertha is the last remaining club in the Bundesliga without their own football stadium. The capacity utilisation of the Olympiastadion is 64%, whereas the rest of the Bundesliga averages 92%.
Gegenbauer confirmed:
In the Bundesliga world, which represents 95% of our matchday operations, the stadium is no longer sustainable and suitable in the long run. As a team and a medium-sized company, we do not want to carry the drawbacks of an ageing stadium that is too big.
The current rental agreement with the Olympiastadion runs out in 2025, and will remain Hertha’s home ground until then. The Club committee has come to an overwhelming understanding. An alternative to the proposed plans would see the Club build a new arena in Brandenburg Park in Ludwigsfelde, 9km south of the city border and 18 minutes on the train from Potsdamer Platz. The club has however decided that the Berlin State Federal Government will support the plans in the Olympiapark.
Gegenbauer confirmed:
Hertha BSC strongly believes the Berlin federal government knows the necessity of a new stadium. Hertha should not be deprived of a future, just because a solution could not be found for a large, listed stadium the club does not even own.
The clear favourite is the Olympiapark, with its best and already present infrastructure.
Hertha BSC is also forced on economic grounds to look at new building opportunities. Higher capacity utilisation, higher spectator numbers, more profitability and more attractive marketing possibilities. Only then we will be able to stay competitive economically and on the pitch. In this way a small business cannot be obstructed by politics.
Sporting Director, Michael Preetz, said:
Hertha BSC is going to offer an incredibly intensive stadium experience from 2025, just like every other Bundesliga clubs – perhaps even more so. The fans will be very close to the pitch, high rising and loud. There will be atmospheric standing areas and all the attributes of a modern stadium.
The next step will see everyone work with architecture and planning office of AS+P to create a manageable estimate, which will be calculated based on the site itself. Hertha BSC will then discuss the plans with the appropriate authorities and politicians.
Source: Hertha BSC
