Borivali set to get world-class stadium in 3 yrs

The design report being prepared by the civic body states that the stadium will be built on the lines of the multi-purpose stadiums like the world-famous Wembley in London, Shanghai’s Hongkou stadium and Mumbai’s famous Wankhede. The civic body has set a deadline of 2017 for the work to be completed.

“We have appointed consultants who are looking into the best practices adopted by world-class stadiums. For instance, Wembley is known for its seating arrangement and acoustics for music concerts held in the stadium, which we are studying. However, we will take a decision on which practices have to be adopted after the model code of conduct for Assembly polls ends,” additional municipal commissioner S V R Srinivas said.

The civic body is planning to adopt the system of wheelchair seating, like in Wembley, which is said to have 310 wheelchair spaces. The London stadium also has the largest roof-covered seating capacity which the BMC plans to adopt.

The proposed stadium, which will be accessible through the SV Road and Link Road, is set to have a cricket field of 109.54-metre diameter, a 105-m football-long pitch and a 400-m running track. Apart from a sports club and space for athletics and gymnastics events, the indoor stadium will also include facilities for snooker, billiards, carrom, table tennis etc.

“We acquired the land about five months ago and the decision to build a sports stadium was taken after we realised that there is very little space for recreational activities in the western suburbs. This will give a chance to the people residing in the area to participate more in such activities,” Srinivas added.

The report mentions that at least one per cent of the seating area will be reserved for wheelchairs. “Accessible seating must be an integral part of the seating plan so that people using wheelchairs are not isolated from their family and friends,” it says.

Apart from this, the disabled will also be given concessions at the ticket and food counters in the stadium itself.

The civic body plans to earn revenue through sale of match and season tickets, sale of the skyboxes and VIP seats, revenue through advertisements, retail outlets and merchandising, and special events along with stadium tour packages.
tanushree.venkatraman@expressindia.com