Real Madrid show off jaw-dropping progress on £500m Bernabeu renovation project
Real Madrid are continuing to make rapid progress with their ambitious renovation of the Bernabeu, a mega-millions project stretching back to 2019.
The overhaul, believed to be worth €575million (£494m), is designed to bring the iconic stadium into the modern age – although it has been hit by several delays.
An ambitious initial deadline of 2022 passed and the construction work, overseen by club president Florentino Perez, has now extended into this summer.
However, with Madrid determined to improve the matchday experience for supporters and generate more revenue, the redevelopment is finally edging closer.
The first stage of the sprawling proposal saw the old roof dismantled, new towers built on the west side of the ground and an improvement of the seating areas.
In addition, the new-look Bernabeu will boast a retractable roof and pitch surface, a step also taken by Tottenham for their state-of-the-art venue in north London.
The looming Skywalk is set to provide match goers with a cutting-edge taste of hospitality, with the terrace surrounding the entire stadium at its highest level.
While not yet finished, the area – a 360 degree space 800 metres in length and encompassing 6,000 square meters altogether – is quickly taking shape.
Elsewhere, the 12 large trusses making up the retractable roof are in place. Each truss measures 72 metres and weighs a staggering 50 tons, according to the club.
On the fixed roof, just under 50 per cent of the stainless steel slats are in position.
Progress has been made on the revamped stands on all sides, meanwhile, while the large underground greenhouse that will maintain the pitch has been completed.
Last year, Madrid signed a deal with Legends and Sixth Street, handing over the operation of the stadium to the company for 20 years and banking £309m.
Moving forward, the club will receive 70 per cent of the revenue from the ground and estimate that revenues from the use of the venue will increase by £129m a year.
It is thought that the Bernabeu work will be finished in September or October of this year, with its official opening pencilled in for the winter break in December.
This summer, workers returned to the site to round off the final steps, with the large retractable pitch successfully tested after the existing turf was stripped away.
