Belgian architectural firm 51N4E, previously awarded the design contract for the Niko Dovana city stadium in Durrës, has now secured an additional contract.
The Albanian Development Fund (FSHZH) has announced that, through a negotiation process without prior public notice, it has selected 51N4E as the winning firm for the contract involving the “Masterplan for the sports complex of the Niko Dovana stadium and the development of the multifunctional area surrounding the stadium complex in Durrës”.
Following negotiations, the Albanian Development Fund has agreed to a proposal amounting to 36.8 million Albanian lek, approximately equivalent to 344,000 euros.
The Fund itself has disclosed that the consortium consisting of 51N4E and the foreign company Plan Comun, registered in France, emerged as the successful bidder for the contract. They are expected to complete the masterplan project within the span of six months.
The Albanian Development Fund serves as the contracting authority for stadium projects, and as such, it holds the mandate over the masterplan for the stadium.
Durrës’ new stadium
Earlier this year, an international competition was launched to solicit designs for stadiums in the cities of Vlora, Korça, and Durrës.
In May, the winning project for the Niko Dovana stadium in Durrës was officially announced. The design concept put forth by 51N4E envisions the stadium as an integral part of the city, where community life seamlessly blends with the urban landscape and where the stadium serves not only as a sports venue but also as a space for various activities.
During the presentation of the project, the company representative emphasized the incorporation of green spaces and the transformation of the stadium into a hub for training and recreation.
“The aim is to ensure that young athletes and children can undertake their training within the stadium, eliminating the need for them to travel to different locations. The overarching goal is to make the stadium a vibrant space, operational seven days a week. This would allow people to walk around the stadium area and create pedestrian pathways that link it with the city while being surrounded by lush green parks,” as highlighted by the studio representative.
As outlined in the project plan, the stadium will feature training facilities for basketball, football, and two swimming pools – one indoor and one outdoor, with the stadium constructed below ground level to seamlessly integrate with the city’s skyline.
The project also envisions the development of cultural and sports centers, hotels, office spaces, and shopping complexes around the stadium. Additionally, the plan includes the establishment of the Development Center for Conventions and the National Film Festival.,
