Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos to help revitalise Chinese football with sprawling 'sports city'
by Andrew Manns | 17 Jun 2019
– Antonio Cruz and Antonio Ortiz
Spanish firm Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos have revealed the first concept images of their latest project – a 260,000 sq m football complex in Dalian, China.
The expansive campus will comprise 23 regulation-size pitches, a hotel, gardens, and a select number of short-stay residential units.
The US$297m (€264.7m, £235.8m) facility will also function as a training ground and academy for professional teams and youth clubs, including Dalian Yifang FC.
Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos' were interviewed by CLAD in 2017
The ambitious project is being developed by Chinese conglomerate, Wanda Group, who acquired Dalian Yifang last year after the company sold its 17 per cent stake in Atletico Madrid.
In a statement, Wanda Group said the scheme would address the “lack of continuity in China’s football talent pipeline”.
“The number of youth players in Dalian is less than a tenth of what it was at its peak,” said the company. “The first thing we intend to do is build a youth training system, which shows that Wanda has identified the core factor to promote the revitalisation of football in Dalian.”
The first stage of the development is expected to be completed in December.
Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos Dalian China Wanda Group
The 260,000 sq m complex will rise in Dalian, China Credit: Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos
The Sports City of Dalian Yifang FC will comprise 23 pitches Credit: Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos
The site will be home to a hotel and a variety of short-stay apartments Credit: Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos
Wanda Group is developing the project for US$297m Credit: Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos
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FEATURE: CLAD people – Antonio Cruz
Spanish firm Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos have revealed the first concept images of their latest project – a 260,000 sq m football complex in Dalian, China. The expansive campus will comprise 23 regulation-size pitches, a hotel, gardens, and a select number of short-stay residential units. The US$297m (€264.7m, £235.8m) facility will also function as a training ground and academy for professional teams and youth clubs, including Dalian Yifang FC. Cruz
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