Nou Mestalla redevelopment costs rise again as Valencia approve major stadium project changes

Valencia's long-delayed Nou Mestalla redevelopment has become more expensive, with construction costs reportedly rising as fresh changes to the project are approved.

The updated plans include a new roof, expanded VIP facilities and changes to nearby developments, raising further questions about the financial pressure facing the Spanish club.

Nou Mestalla project becomes more expensive for Valencia

Construction company FCC has reportedly informed Valencia that the cost of completing Nou Mestalla will rise by 10 per cent from the initial estimate of €194.6m (£163.75m), according to reports in Spain.

Inflation, higher building material costs and additions to the stadium design have been cited as reasons for the increase. Including general expenses, industrial profit and the €11.2m (£9.4m) allocated to a sports centre in Benicalap, the total cost is expected to exceed €250m (£210m).

When expenditure dating back to the stadium's original construction period is included, the overall investment could now reach €400m (£336m).

The reported increase has attracted criticism from shareholder Miguel Zorio of Marea Valencianista, who has questioned the club's transparency over the project's finances and warned that additional borrowing may be required to complete the work.

Meanwhile, Valencia's revised plans have been approved by the city council. The most notable change is a new PVC textile membrane roof, expected to weigh 4,800 tonnes and be supported by 50 external steel pillars. The material has been selected for its lighter weight and ability to allow natural light into the stadium.

The East Stand will also receive an additional hospitality area, complementing the planned facilities in the West Stand, while media facilities and storage space will be updated to meet UEFA and FIFA requirements.

Changes to the surrounding area include reducing car parking provision to 1,053 spaces. One nearby 13-storey tower will now contain offices across 18,000 square metres rather than hotel apartments, although plans for a separate 20-storey tower with a 262-room four-star hotel remain in place.

FGG says: Nou Mestalla's rising costs create another challenge for Valencia

The revised design should help Valencia deliver a modern stadium with improved hospitality facilities and a roof suited to the needs of a major football venue. However, those upgrades come at a time when financial discipline is particularly important.

A reported 10 per cent increase is significant when the original estimate was already substantial, especially given the project's lengthy history and the additional investment needed to bring it to completion.