The sports specialist was named this week (5 February) as architect of the proposed refurbishment and expansion of the 98-year-old stadium on the edge of Lake Como, in Lombardy, northern Italy.
The venue, which turns 100 years old in 2027, is owned by the municipality and has been leased to the Serie A side since 1928. Current capacity is around 13,000.
Populous’s concept vision for the Giuseppe Sinigaglia includes four new stands with hospitality space facing Lake Como.
The design shown at consultation also features a stepped-down design in the north-west corner of the arena, providing views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Como.
Populous says a final design will be presented next year, with construction expected to take place in phases starting in 2027 and 2028. There is currently no timeline for completion.
Senior principal at Populous’s Milan office Silvia Prandelli said: ‘We are privileged to be involved in the redesign of the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. We look forward to working with Como 1907 and the Municipality of Como to bring the vision to life for the redevelopment of the stadium and how it will integrate with the local community.’
Como’s mayor, Alessandro Rapinese, added: ‘This is the first phase of the process. This stadium is not just for football, but a gift for the entire community. I look forward to the various phases and to being able to enjoy Como 1907 play inside the new G Sinigaglia.’
Populous’s most recent accounts showed record turnover for its Europe, the Middle East and Africa region, rising from £34.9 million to a record £136 million between 2022 and 2023.
Source:Populous
Populous’ Como 1907 plans (January 2025)
Fee income from the firm’s Middle Eastern workload went from £14.8 million in 2022 to £103 million. In Europe, income meanwhile ballooned from £8.6 million to £21.1 million.
The practice, which reports opening new offices in Madrid and Germany in the last 12 months, is also working on a new 60,000-capacity stadium for Italian top-tier side AS Roma.
The practice is also understood to be involved in alternative plans for a new home for Inter Milan, another Serie A side, following the collapse of San Siro redevelopment proposals in 2023.
