Dinamo Zagreb’s new Maksimir design selected
Zagreb has selected the design for a 35,000 seat replacement for Dinamo Zagreb’s Maksimir Stadium, advancing a publicly backed project expected to cost more than €200 million when its wider facilities are included.
The Croatian government and City of Zagreb have selected a design by Italian practice VG13 Architects Studio Associato for a new 35,000 seat Maksimir Stadium and the surrounding Svetice sports complex.The winning proposal, by architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi, was chosen from 88 entries submitted by practices in more than 20 countries.The architects will now be commissioned to develop the concept into detailed designs, providing the documentation needed for planning and building permits and a subsequent public tender for construction.Zagreb expects demolition of the existing Maksimir to begin in 2027, with construction of the replacement planned for 2029 and the city aiming to open it by the end of 2030.Mayor Tomislav Tomašević has estimated the stadium itself at about €175 million excluding VAT, while saying the full development, including parking, pitches and supporting infrastructure, should exceed €200 million.The Croatian government and Zagreb previously agreed to share funding for the new stadium, making the project a major commitment for both public authorities as they seek to replace a ground that has been the subject of redevelopment proposals for decades.The winning scheme forms part of a wider plan for the Svetice site, with proposals including an 800 space garage and three training pitches, one of which would have a 1,500 seat stand.The broader development also identifies space for an athletics stadium of around 2,000 seats, a 5,000 capacity handball arena and a hall of approximately 3,000 seats that could accommodate basketball and futsal.Dinamo president Zvonimir Boban backed the design’s connection to the existing ground and its emphasis on bringing spectators close to the pitch.Boban said: “It reflects and respects the history and tradition of Maksimir Stadium, protects the identity and spirit of Dinamo and Dinamo fans.”He also indicated that the design could be refined as the architects develop the detailed plans, with Dinamo intending to contribute its views on how the stadium works for football.The selection resolves the architectural competition but leaves substantial delivery work ahead, including detailed design, permits, procurement and construction across a programme that extends into the end of the decade.A separate redevelopment of Zagreb’s Kranjčevićeva Stadium is intended to provide Dinamo with a temporary home when the existing Maksimir closes, making progress on that venue an important part of the timetable for the larger project.The new Maksimir would provide Dinamo and Croatia’s national team with a modern venue, while the additional sports facilities are intended to make the publicly funded site serve a wider range of users beyond matchdays.