Amidst a great deal of Social Media speculation, the Gibraltar Football Association last night unveiled their plans for the Europa Point Stadium, which are set to be tabled before the Development and Planning Commission following a period of public consultation.

The stadium proposal boasts a capacity of 8,066 and a grass-playing surface. Plans include VIP hospitality, VIP skyboxes, a panoramic restaurant, a retail area including bars and cafes, media and conference facilities, a museum and further facilities for live events. The structure is designed by Madrid based architect Mark Fenwich, whose portfolio includes a host of other sports stadiums worldwide.

Launching the exhibition, Chief Minister Fabian Picardo praised the GFA for giving the public an opportunity to ‘tell them what we think of the designs they are putting out there’. The exhibition, held in the Gustavo Bacarisas gallery, will remain open for the public during the day. He reminded guests that this was not a Government project, but a GFA project with the Government’s only input being the donation of the land.

The stadium will also emphasise Gibraltar’s long-standing links with Morocco, with a beam of light pointing in North Africa’s direction, representing one of the two Pillars of Hercules. Picardo noted that any team coming to play Gibraltar in the Stadium will come up against Hercules’ right foot.

GFA President Desmond Reoch insisted that the Association was very excited about the project. He thanked those that had been involved with the plans so far, and the Government for their support.

Local Architects, Marketing Consultants and Project Directors, including GC Architects, Patrick Gomez, Henry Coelho and Carl Viagas have been contracted to work on the stadium. The main architect, recognised officially by UEFA believes that the Europa Point Stadium ‘is intended to be the very latest and most state-of-the-art “football cathedral” in the World.’