Berlin Senate Approves Revised Stadium Expansion Plans for Union Berlin
The Berlin Senate has given its approval to revised plans for the expansion of the 1. FC Union Berlin football stadium, marking a significant development in the club's ongoing efforts to modernize and enlarge its home venue. The decision follows years of negotiations and addresses several logistical concerns that previously delayed the project.
Union Berlin, a Bundesliga football club based in Köpenick, had originally proposed to increase the capacity of its iconic stadium, An der Alten Försterei, to about 40,500 seats. However, due to ongoing challenges related to transportation and infrastructure, the club submitted an updated proposal to initially expand the stadium to 34,500 seats. This interim step is designed to ensure that the project can progress while accommodating the city's requirements for efficient crowd management and environmental sustainability.
The Berlin Senate's departments for urban development, construction, housing, mobility, traffic, climate protection, and the environment have formally supported the new plans, confirming that the accompanying transportation concept meets city standards. This approval allows the stadium expansion project to advance to the next stage of the urban planning process. A key aspect of the revised proposal is the implementation of a robust transportation strategy that addresses previous concerns about moving large numbers of spectators to and from the stadium efficiently and safely. Union Berlin's updated plan includes detailed measures to manage increased visitor flows, prioritizing public transport and sustainable mobility solutions to minimize congestion and environmental impact.
While the initial phase will limit the expanded stadium's capacity to 34,500, long-term objectives remain unchanged. Both the club and city authorities have emphasized that the ultimate goal is still to reach the originally envisioned 40,500-seat capacity, subject to future assessments and further improvements to local infrastructure.
The expansion of An der Alten Försterei has been a complex and protracted process, with Union Berlin awaiting planning approval for over eight years. Delays have primarily stemmed from the need to balance the club's ambitions with the city's regulations on transportation, crowd control, and environmental protection. The revised approach, which temporarily scales back the seating increase, is regarded as a pragmatic compromise that enables construction to move forward without abandoning long-term plans for a larger stadium.
According to the city's statement, the updated transportation concept now meets all requirements, enabling the planning process for the stadium's expansion to proceed. The next steps will involve securing final building permits, after which construction can begin. During the construction period, Union Berlin is set to temporarily relocate its home matches to the Olympiastadion, with a return to the newly expanded An der Alten Försterei anticipated once the work is completed.
The stadium's redevelopment is seen as vital for Union Berlin's continued competitiveness in the Bundesliga. A larger, modernized venue will not only enhance the matchday experience for fans but also provide the club with greater financial and operational flexibility. The club remains committed to eventually achieving the full expansion target, working closely with city authorities to ensure all requirements are met.
Union Berlin's stadium, renowned for its passionate fan base and unique atmosphere, has become an integral part of Berlin's sporting culture. The Senate's endorsement of the revised expansion plan is expected to provide fresh momentum for a project that promises to benefit both the club and the wider community in the years ahead.