PRESS RELEASE

Strategic Leisure appointed to assist Kiev with Euro 2012 stadium reconstruction

Strategic appointed Leisure has been to assist in the major redevelopment of the Olimpiyski Stadium, in Kiev, Ukraine, to prepare it to host the UEFA European Championships in 2012 as part of the joint Ukraine/Poland bid.

UEFA confirmed this week that the venue is the only one from Ukraine which has been shortlisted at this time to host group matches, a quarter final and at least a semi final, citing some ‘important shortcomings’ with other Ukrainian stadia. The Olimpiyski is one of the key venues in the bid, and had originally been pencilled in for the hosting the final of the tournament – one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

Strategic Leisure has been tasked with assisting in assessing and evaluating the stadium and adjoining development for the Stadium Complex to ensure that the venue and facilities are fully compliant with all UEFA requirements for hosting the final stages of the European Championships, and that it has a sustainable future as one of Ukraine’s most important sporting venues.

The Olimpiyski Stadium is a national landmark and, because it has heritage site status, the plans are to completely overhaul the stadium, rather than build a new venue. The design for the updated facility has been delivered by German architects GMP, who undertook the conversion of the Berlin Stadium ahead of the World Cup in Germany in 2006.

The modernisation of a building which was designed in the 1930s has proven a significant challenge for the Ukrainian organisers, who are keen to ensure that the stadium is not only a strong competitor to host the final of the Championships, but also that it will continue to act as a centrepiece of the capital of Ukraine, attracting investment and sustainable development.

Strategic Leisure is leading a team of UK specialists, including architects DLA, to assess the current masterplan and proposals for the stadium complex to ensure that it complies with the rigorous UEFA requirements for match day accommodation, including spectator access, housing the thousands of broadcast and media professionals, merchandising, and the substantial corporate hospitality elements.

However, the designs and masterplanning will also be scrutinised to ensure that they offer viable long term after-use opportunities.

Strategic Leisure chief executive, Mark Sutcliffe explains: “There is a clear need to ensure that while meeting the demands of hosting one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, we don’t lose sight of the wonderful opportunity to deliver a stadium and ancillary facilities which could revitalise the city and bring lasting benefits.”

The team will be conducting a full review of the current plans, completing a needs assessment and market evaluation to examine a viable mix of facilities for the stadium and surrounding complex after 2012, and will deliver a business plan to accompany any recommendations on a mix of facilities, which might include health and fitness, conferencing and corporate hospitality, office accommodation and other community sports facilities.

“We are pleased to be involved with such an important project and hope that our experience and expertise will help to deliver a truly fantastic venue, both for the 2012 Championships and beyond.”

For more information please contact:

Mark Sutcliffe, Chief Executive, Strategic Leisure: 07770 825565

Duncan Jenner, Senior Consultant, Strategic Leisure: 07921 780377