CF: The ‘Strategic Environmental Assessment’ – why a crucial phase in stadium plan has begun

AC Milan and Inter’s process towards building their new stadium continues, and a new development has emerged today.

According to Calcio e Finanza, the project has entered a very important new phase: the City of Milan has begun the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the urban plan known as ‘GFU San Siro’ in what is a formal but crucial step.

It is the procedure that precedes the approval of the implementation plan, which will define in detail the future of the area around the historic stadium, including the construction of a new facility and all the related activities to allow the area to be lively every day of the week, not just during matches.

What is the SEA?

The objective of the SEA, a procedure established by European and Italian legislation, is to assess the potential environmental impacts of a development plan before its approval. During this phase, various aspects are analysed, such as traffic, air quality, land use, water management, and the presence of green spaces.

The process also involves public bodies and environmental authorities, who can express opinions and observations on the project. In recent days, Milan president Paolo Scaroni spoke a bit about the new stadium and mentioned the environmental aspect.

“The new stadium project is very important, guided and supported by RedBird and the strategic vision of Gerry Cardinale,” he said.

“For the city and the region, we are talking about a private investment of around 1.5 billion euros an infrastructure inserted in a new, modern and green neighbourhood, with over 50% of the area dedicated to parks and public spaces, designed to be lived in 365 days a year.”

While we wait to see Manica and Foster + Partners ‘ project, some details of the new San Siro have emerged in recent months: the stadium will be built on a podium, will have 71,500 seats on two tiers, will have an oval shape, the stands will have a 37° inclination, the same as the current third tier of San Siro.

The tunnel connecting the dressing rooms to the field will have a glass wall behind which will be a few spectators who, immediately before the match, will be able to closely observe the players’ expressions from a perspective currently only possible on TV.

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