The local council of Lyon suburb Décines has finally signed the building permit for Lyon’s proposed 58,000-seater. The signature brings a long process, that started almost five years ago, to an end, and frees up the way for the start of construction works.
The stadium, which will be a prominent feature at the Euro 2016 tournament, was initially planned to open in 2010, something that will now happen in 2014 the earliest. The club struggled to find agreement on the financing of the project, and in particular that of the accompanying infrastructure, on which the different parties finally agreed last Monday.
It is likely that realisation of the Grande Stade OL, also dubbed Stade des Lumières (Stadium of Light), had remained a distant wish if it had not been for the upcoming Euro Championships, which put the pressure on all parties to find a solution.
However, the project will continue to find opposition, and further appeals by opponents are expected. Both the city and club are confident though that these will be manageable, and in the meantime the club is free to start works, which is expected to happen around April.
Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas earlier stated his wish to have the opening match of the tournament played at the new stadium, though the city is likely to face stiff competition for this honour.
Photos: © Buffi Associes