Project led by Sport Club do Recife aims to modernize the stadium and revitalize the area, with works starting in 2026
The CDU (Urban Development Council) approved on Wednesday (Dec 18, 2024) the retrofit plan for the Ilha do Retiro complex. The project, led by Sport Club do Recife, aims to modernize the stadium opened in 1937 and revitalize the surrounding area. The works are scheduled to begin in 2026, with an estimated investment of R$620 million. The retrofit will include the renovation of the stadium and the construction of a sports complex, without altering the club’s headquarters, a listed property. Here’s it (PDF 2 MB)
Yuri Romão, president of Sport, and Bruno Schwambach, financial vice-president, detailed the project. Renovating the stadium will cost around R$170 million. The remaining R$450 million will be allocated to the sports complex.
The masterplan foresees the transformation of 101 thousand square meters of Ilha do Retiro. The complex will have stores and commercial spaces in a 35-story commercial tower. The stadium’s capacity will be increased to 35,225 spectators, with the installation of a roof, the addition of chairs, 220 boxes and the construction of a ring that will cover almost the entire upper part.
Since 2023, the Sport board has been looking for financial partners in São Paulo to make the project viable. With the approval of the plan by Recife City Hall, the expectation is that the financing will be implemented. In addition to the improvements to the stadium and sports complex, Sport will donate land measuring approximately 3,600 m² for the construction of a new road that will connect Rua Tabaires to Avenida Beira-Rio, improving access to the site.
Sport advances in expansion project on Ilha do Retiro
