Luzhniki reconstruction under threat
Moscow authorities could scrap plans to reconstruct Luzhniki stadium for the World Cup in 2018 in favor of building a completely new arena, which could be cheaper and technically easier.
Reconstruction is too expensive
Luzhnikis reconstruction concept was developed by the Colliers International group of companies, and presumes that the sporting complex will be turned into a world-class sport-entertainment venue by 2016 at a cost of 65 billion rubles ($12.5 billion). The experts suggest breaking up the territory into several functional zones for sport, fitness and recreation and the main sporting arenas will be rebuilt.
Renovating the Grand Sports Arena would cost 22.5 billion rubles ($775 million). The renovation would make it one of the most expensive arenas in the world.
The same amount of money would have to be invested in smaller venues on the site.
Overall the space would increase from 540,000 square meters to 700,000. New infrastructure for fitness and recreation facilities would cost 15.7 billion rubles ($500 million).
The concept was passed to the City Hall in autumn 2011, where it was reviewed by officials from the construction and economic sectors. Both agree that foreign experts suggestions are unsustainable, several sources in City Hall told Moskovsky Komsomolets.
City Hall may decide not to redevelop due to the high costs, sources told RBC Daily. The city is still unsure of whether money will come from private sponsors or from the budget. The city administration decided that Luzhniki is not the best place for large commercial objects, and it is easier to spend the 22.5 billion rubles on a new modern stadium than agonize over the renovation of the old one.
Technical solutions too complicated
In order to increase Luzhniki to the FIFA-required 89,000 seats, foreign consultants suggested digging out the middle of the arena and lowering the pitch by 4 to 6 meters. It would allow additional stands and other facilities required for the World Cup games.
An alternative option is to add seats to the top of the existing stands. However, in order to do that, the unique see-through roof above the stands, that cost taxpayers $70 million in 1997, would have to be taken apart.
Both options are equally bad, because they suppose rebuilding of the Grand Sports Arena, a source in the city administration told MK. Even though it is not classified as a monument; it is a recognized symbol of Russian sport.
FIFA requires that the arena should have a helicopter pad in the vicinity, parking for 15,000 cars and 500 busses, which is unlikely near Luzhniki.
Moskomarchitecture has announced their own competition on developing the stadium planning project that will determine Luzhnikis final appearance; results will be announced on March 12.
http://themoscownews.com/business/20...189501990.html