Nou Camp reconstruction boss reveals ‘the main challenge’ of the stadium’s dramatic refurb after they took a wrecking ball to the iconic Barcelona ground
- Barcelona began renovation of their iconic Nou Camp stadium in the summer
- The side will be playing their home games at the Olympic Stadium for two years
- City had their pants pulled down by a development team – It’s All Kicking Off
The head of the construction company carrying out the £1.25billion renovation of the Nou Camp has revealed that the installation of the new roof poses the biggest challenge.
The LaLiga giants began a two-season exile from their iconic stadium this season as work started in earnest on the costly refurb that will – among other improvements – see its capacity increase from 99,354 seats to 105,000.
The newly-named Spotify Nou Camp will also boast a stunning roof which will cover almost all of the stadium’s massive footprint.
As work continues on transforming one of the most prestigious venues in world football, Limak Constructions chief Haldun Firat has opened up on the difficulties of the company’s undertaking.
And he has expressed his confidence that the work will be completed in time for the club to return ahead of the 2025-26 season as planned.
Cranes got to work ripping down the historic structure when work began in the summer
Images released by the club show progress on the roof that will cover the new stadium
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The Spotify Nou Camp will be almost entirely covered by a stunning roof when completed
‘I would differentiate it into two parts: The adaptation of the old part, the one that remains, the first and second tiers, and the new one, corresponding to the construction of the third tiers.’ Firat told Spanish outlet Sport.
‘The most complicated of all, however, is the cover because during its installation you cannot step on the grass.
‘The crown must be placed with cranes and with cables. It is the most complex part of all. From the outside the stadium is not easy. We are working on different designs and methodology to reach this point as soon as possible.
‘We are convinced that we can do it. The old part must be carefully repaired because the structure is in good condition and is also protected. We pay a lot of attention to it, and then address the other parts.’
In July the club released footage of stands being reduced to rubble which left many fans with mixed emotions. One supporter tweeted that it made him ‘tear up’, while another football fan wrote: ‘How to ruin one of the most iconic stadiums.’
The Catalan outfit updated their fanbase on the progress this week, which showed most of the old arena reduced to little more than a shell. However, there was the sighting of the early stages of the roof’s installation.
Barcelona will be playing their home games at Olympic Stadium which hosted the 1992 Games
Xavi’s side are playing their football at the Olympic Stadium – which hosted the 1992 Summer Games – while the renovations are being done and despite boasting a near-perfect home record, they’ll be keen to return home as soon as possible.
‘The first was to start in June. We did it.’ Added Firat. ‘The second, to finish the demolition at the end of November. We did it.’
He continued: ‘Now we have another challenge in November 2024. And finish in June 2026. Of course it is also important for our company because we have bonuses for finishing early, but the key for me is something else.
‘As the deadlines advance, we have also managed to unite the team, everyone has seen that together we can make a great team. There are engineers from all over the world, from South America, Spanish, Turkish…Together we will do better because we are a team.’
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