Global Fútbol

The project for Levante UD’s new sporting complex has now been given the green light after several years working on its approval. Works will begin this summer, as the club prepares to move its base from the town of Buñol to once again have its sporting facilities in Valencia and close to its stadium, the Estadi Ciutat de València.

The Council of Ministers have given the go-ahead to the construction of the new Levante UD sporting complex in the Nazaret district of Valencia. This approval was a necessary step, given that the new location has land belonging to the Valencia Port Authority (APV) and, therefore, the land is state-owned and leased through a 35-year concession.

Speaking about this investment project, Ignacio Martínez, Director of Business Development at Levante UD, stated: “It represents a before and after from a business point of view, but also from a social point of view. The convenience and visibility that this project will give to the development of our youth academy and our presence in Valencian society is a key element of our strategic plan.”

The new sporting complex will allow Levante UD to continue with its strategy of development and growth as an institution. In addition, the city of Valencia will also benefit from this construction project, as there will be improvements on the banks of the River Turia at the stretch that reaches the sea and there will be a regeneration of a part of the city that hadn’t yet experienced modernisation and urban development.

This project is a consolidation of the growth of the club, that has already been developing its infrastructure. Thanks to the economic injection from Boost LaLiga – the project involving the CVC investment fund – Levante UD have already managed to pay for a new roof at their stadium, a key component of the first phase of their stadium redevelopment plan that has already been completed and that has improved the venue’s lighting and allowed it to host events during the summer months. There is still a second phase to come at that venue, which involves the restructuring of other spaces at the Estadi Ciutat de València.

Martínez explained: “The financial pressures that exist at any company, and especially at a football club, always make it difficult to undertake projects of this magnitude. Thanks to these funds, together with the advice and indications from the Boost LaLiga project and the clear determination of the club, which already had this project in mind and planned, work can commence this summer.”

The plans for the new sporting complex in Nazaret consist of seven football pitches, including a mini-stadium for the matches of the Levante women’s team and B team. In addition, there will be considerable improvements to the facilities in terms of gym, physiotherapy and rehabilitation areas. There will also be a larger players’ residence than the current one in Buñol, where the club has been based since 2002.

Other advantages of the move include the fact that the team will cut out 40 kilometres of travel, become less distant on a social level and enjoy a better climate by the sea. The Nazaret neighbourhood is even connected by tram to the rest of the city.

As the Director of Business Development concluded: “The location of the site and the quality of the architectural project and facilities will be a huge advantage in attracting players to the club and in reinforcing our presence and brand both locally and internationally. We are tremendously proud and excited about this project.”