EUROPA POINT A NEW STADIUM FOR GIBRALTAR
Europa Point Stadium – Your Questions Answered The GFA has received many comments and contributions about the proposal for a new European landmark stadium at Europa Point, and we would like to thank everyone for their interest and input. The proposal has raised a number of questions and we felt it was important to get back to you as quickly as possible with the information currently available. Preliminary plans have been submitted by the GFA to the Development Planning Commission (DPC) for the construction of a Category 4 stadium at Europa Point, which will enable us to host international matches within Gibraltar, as well as provide a facility for the wider community.
Gibraltar’s proposed 8,000-seater national stadium at Europa Point, designed to echo the fortress walls.
WHY AN INTERNATIONAL STADIUM MATTERS
THE PROPOSED DESIGN FOR THE STADIUM
Providing a world-class facility to host international fixtures within our borders is essential to our continued membership of UEFA. Quite simply, without our own national stadium, our position as the newest member of the UEFA family would be untenable. Election to UEFA not only benefits Gibraltar in terms of the funding given to our Football Association, supporting the game at all levels, but it also generates valuable income through the influx of international supporters, visitors and tourists.
A design for the Europa Point stadium is currently in its initial stages and will be developed over time through consultation with the Gibraltarian public and authorities. The GFA welcomes your views and input, and we will take any recommendations into consideration.
HOW THE STADIUM WILL BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY In addition to representing Gibraltar around the world, it is also important that the national stadium becomes a resource for the people – one that can be used every day of the year for a variety of activities. It is envisioned that Europa Point will become the centrepiece for a range of leisure, sporting and cultural events. Although primarily a football venue, the people of Gibraltar will also be able to enjoy world‑class concerts, business conferences, private functions and much more. It will be a community facility, offering an attractive environment with appropriate tourist appeal.
The current design of the stadium is only intended to illustrate the scope of the project. It is a concept shaped by the stadium’s geographical location, contending with strong coastal winds and the harsh Mediterranean sun – two of the main factors influencing the outline structure. From a design point of view, the concept reflects a number of Gibraltar landmarks including the fortress walls. The proposed roof-level walk will offer a fresh perspective of historic and natural features, while its restaurants at ground level will perfectly complement the existing recreational facilities.
CONSTRUCTING THE EUROPA POINT STADIUM The construction of the stadium needs to address a number of key points, primarily its orientation. To ensure both spectators and players are not hindered
by glare from the sun during matches; the orientation of the stadium has to be from north to south (east to west orientation causes intense glare at certain times of the day). Another suggestion was to partially submerge the pitch and some of the stadium facilities below ground level. However, this would result in the stadium losing a significant proportion of the retail space required to ensure Europa Point can be utilised on a daily basis. It would also require excavation into the bedrock, significantly increasing the cost of construction as well as restricting the amount of parking for the completed facility.
HOW CONSTRUCTION MIGHT BE PHASED The construction of the stadium and its surrounding environment is likely to be implemented in two phases. The first will accommodate the pitch, concourses and all the concessions and facilities needed within the stadium’s actual footprint. The second phase will accommodate the retail areas in the east and south wing of the development – as well as any other uses that the client requests in a specific unit to the south.
For more information visit WWW.EUROPAPOINTSTADIUM.COM Why was Europa Point chosen as the location for the venue and is there a wider master plan? Europa Point offers a dramatic backdrop – a ‘meeting point’ between the continents of Europe and Africa. With space in Gibraltar being at such a premium, it is inevitable that – sooner or later – the location will be developed. However, being such a unique site, it is imperative that whatever building is constructed has to have the gravitas and longevity that this location warrants. There really is no finer candidate than a national stadium – Gibraltar’s very own ‘Cathedral of sport’. Currently, Europa Point is an underdeveloped heritage site, and one of the few large enough to accommodate the quality and size of stadium required by UEFA. Additionally, it is the only site with three access roads – vital in the event of an emergency. It’s a flat tract of land, ideal for a sporting facility, and provides a ‘standout’ location known to the world. It is this scope that offers Gibraltarians an opportunity to enjoy a world-class facility and take pride in their own international landmark stadium.
Were other sites considered? A number of alternative sites were considered, including Victoria Stadium, the Naval Ground, Windmill Hill, Devil Tower Camp and the Eastside Reclamation, but all were deemed unsuitable due to environmental restrictions, or existing commitments. A complete redevelopment of Victoria Stadium was deemed unviable and an alternative location near schools and residential areas was not available. Not only that, the majority of the existing amenities would have to be demolished and reconstructed, and this would result in the loss of a well-used community facility for the duration of construction. As such, this multi-use facility would have to be re-built in an alternative location, which would most likely be away from our schools and main residential areas. Height restrictions imposed by the nearby runway also means that a Category 4 stadium in this location was not an option. In the event of a major incident and consequent evacuation, the proximity of this location to the sundial roundabout and the frontier would result
in Gibraltar coming to a standstill, substantiated by the Transport Assessment. The Eastside Reclamation is more suitable for marinas and high-rise buildings against the backdrop of the Rock, due to the topography of the site. We need to maximise the use and value of the site for the benefit of the taxpayer.
What will happen to Victoria Stadium? Due to its proximity to the airport, roads and residential areas there is little scope for Victoria Stadium to be expanded. It will therefore continue to serve its purpose as a multi-sports facility, and is currently being upgraded to a Category 3 stadium.
Can you explain how the footprint of an 8,000-seater stadium works within the restrictions of the current site? Europa Point is a unique location seen by thousands of ships every year and is synonymous with the Rock. However, in terms of public space and recreation, the site is also under-utilised. The creation of a national stadium in this location realises an opportunity to create a well-designed public space for everyone to enjoy. Not only would it provide a fitting venue for international matches, the development would also benefit the economy, provide employment and deliver a public amenity accessible to all Gibraltarians.
Will you be offering debentures as they did when the new Wembley stadium was opened? We are currently considering debentures as part of our ongoing business plan. More information on seat availability and allocation will be released in due course.
What will happen to the lighthouse? Part of the unique character of Europa Point is that it will be the first stadium in the world to incorporate its own lighthouse – a fitting attribute given Gibraltar’s position as a beacon for global shipping. The light trajectory from the current lighthouse is likely to be obstructed by the stadium, so this is an elegant and appropriate solution that would enable the existing lighthouse to remain as an historic landmark of Europa Point.
Given the size and location of the stadium, why have solar panels not been incorporated in the design? The current design proposal is at an early stage and ecofactors such as solar panels are still to be considered. However, efficient energy performance will be a major aspect of the overall design.
Have you considered parking and transport at the stadium? Won’t it be chaos trying to get 8,000 spectators in and out? Traffic and transport plans are being developed as part of the DPC submission. We know these are critical elements to the successful delivery of the project, and the most efficient use of existing infrastructure and logistics will be paramount.
What is being proposed for the area described as ‘New Site’ in your aerial plan adjacent to the stadium? Ideas for this area of the development are still being formulated. We welcome input from the public on all aspects of the design on the stadium and its surroundings.
How much football do you envisage being played at the stadium? Will we see all local Premier League matches take place there? Europa Point Stadium site plan
domestic cup finals there as well. The size of the pitch is the standard for UEFA and FIFA – 68m wide x 105m long. In addition to the playing surface, advertising boards, security and match delegates will be located in the space between the pitch and the first row of seats.
In addition to playing all our national team games there, we plan to hold all our premier league matches and
An advertorial issued by the Gibraltar Football Association.
THE FIRST STEP ON THE JOURNEY On 8th April, the first step in creating a national stadium for Gibraltar will be taken when the GFA submit our plans to the DPC for consideration. This is purely to agree the principle that a national stadium at Europa Point is a feasible plan, and to assess any views on the concept design. The DPC will evaluate the location, the design, (currently only at the outline and concept stage), and the importance of us having a national stadium. Once that step is taken, then the hard work of defining the perfect football facility for our nation begins. You are vital to that work. The thoughts and ideas of all Gibraltarians are sought to enable this stadium to become the epitome of what our proud nation stands for. You can share your views and become part of the process at the Europa Point Stadium Exhibition at Gustavo Bacarisas Galleries, Casemates Square, Gibraltar. For any further unanswered questions, please visit www.europapointstadium.com Thank you all for your contribution so far and please continue to send us your comments. With your support, we will create a national stadium of which this, and future generations of Gibraltarians, can be rightly proud.