The new deadline for the completion of the stadium construction in Kranjčevićeva has been pushed back to December 1, 2026, according to reports from Jutarnji list. The city of Zagreb and the contractor signed an addendum to the contract, extending the deadlines and increasing the total cost. This change means that the final phase of work will conclude later than initially planned, creating uncertainty for clubs such as Dinamo and Lokomotiva, which had hoped to relocate there during the second half of the Croatian Football League season. The delay comes amid growing concerns over how this affects the schedule for the clubs' relocation plans. Originally, the two teams aimed to move into the new stadium before the start of the second half of the season, which begins on January 23. However, with the construction now set to finish in late 2026, it appears unlikely that either club will be able to occupy the facility in time for their early-season matches. This raises questions about whether they will even begin moving operations into the new venue until after the current season concludes. The project’s cost has also increased significantly. According to the latest update, the value of the contract rose by 183,046.90 euros excluding VAT, bringing the total from 37,969,296.41 to 38,152,343.31 euros. With VAT included, the entire project now amounts to 47,690,429.14 euros. These additional costs likely reflect delays in the construction process and the need for further adjustments to meet regulatory requirements. Construction of the stadium, which was already delayed multiple times, continues under the supervision of the city authorities and the contracted firm. The extended timeline suggests that challenges remain in completing the project within the originally projected timeframe. While the exact reasons for the delay have not been fully disclosed, officials have confirmed that the revised schedule reflects the realities of ongoing work and necessary compliance checks. For Dinamo and Lokomotiva, the implications of this delay extend beyond just the timing of their relocation. Both clubs rely heavily on having a modern facility to support their operations and fan engagement. A prolonged period without a completed stadium could affect training schedules, match-day logistics, and overall team performance. Additionally, the delay may impact the planning of future projects, including potential renovations or expansions to the existing Maksimir Stadium, which currently serves as the home ground for both clubs. There is also speculation that the delay might lead to a slower pace of demolition work at the old Maksimir site. Since the new stadium is still not operational, the old one must remain standing until the clubs can officially move into the new facility. This creates a logistical challenge, as the two clubs continue to operate from the same location while the new stadium undergoes its final stages of preparation. As the construction moves forward, all parties involved, city officials, contractors, and club representatives, are aware of the importance of meeting the new deadline. While the revised timeline provides more clarity, it also introduces new uncertainties regarding the readiness of the stadium for the upcoming season. Until the final inspections and licensing processes are complete, the future of Dinamo and Lokomotiva's relocation remains uncertain.
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