European side used decommissioned planes in £160m stadium transformation after creating ‘best ground in Europe’

The architects behind Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium used decommissioned aircraft for one of their latest projects.

Populous are currently carrying out the transformation of Strasbourg’s Stade de la Meinau.

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The French side’s home will see its capacity increased from 26,000 to 32,000 once the project is completed.

At an estimated cost of £160million, work began in 2022, although the final completion date is currently to be confirmed.

As part of the design, Populous have carried out a world first by using decommissioned aircraft to renovate the South Stand.

The main facade sunshades are made up of parts from 20 Airbus 340 aircraft and were installed in October 2024.

It forms part of the modernised South Stand at the ground, which will feature new fan spaces across a five-storey atrium.

They include bars, hospitality lounges and two ‘party decks’ for supporters to use.

Populous and Strasbourg also plan to install a fan zone at the stadium – the first to be built at a French ground.

Meanwhile, the North, East and West Stands will also be redeveloped over the course of the project.

Strasbourg are currently owned by the BlueCo group, who bought Chelsea in 2022.

However, the stadium transformation began a year prior to their 2023 takeover of the Ligue 1 outfit.

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AFP

Following a seventh place finish last season, Strasbourg currently sit fifth in the table under former Hull manager Liam Rosenior.

As for their home stadium, they have played at the Stade de la Meinau since it opened in 1914.

The ongoing redevelopment work is the first of its kind at the venue since the early 1980s.

Who are Populous?

Populous’ portfolio of stadiums and arenas includes some of the world’s most iconic football venues.

So far this century, they have designed both Wembley Stadium and Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

They were also behind the 2022 FIFA World Cup final venue, with the striking Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar opened four years ago.

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Populous were recently tasked with building AC Milan and Inter Milan’s new stadium, after it was confirmed the San Siro will be demolished.

Perhaps their best-known project, though, is Tottenham Hotspur’s new home.

The club’s 62,850-capacity stadium has been hailed as one of the best in both Europe and the world since it was opened in 2019.

At a cost of £1billion, construction took three years, with the venue replacing their iconic White Hart Lane.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has since hosted NFL games as well as being used for rugby league, rugby union, boxing and concerts.

It will also serve as one of nine host venues for Euro 2028 in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.