AFAS Stadion Achter de Kazerne
Construction completed
$8.5 million (05/2015 - 08/2016)
Engineering Survey Architecture
Kleine Nieuwedijk 53, B-2800 Mechelen
AFAS Stadion – construction description
The plan initially included two new stands being built in the north (first phase) and south (second), together forming an L-shape with filled corners.
Both the new stands, delivered by late 2016, are double-tiered with entire lower tier dedicated for safe standing and upper decks all-seated. The west end also has skyboxes built between the two levels.
Additionally a new disabled spectators section was created behind the eastern goal as an independent structure. Its neighbouring old south stand was thoroughly renovated in 2017.
Altogether the new stands brought a capacity increase of 5,000, bringing it tot 18,500. To save the neighbouring houses from excessive traffic with limited parking, the club suggested to provide a shuttle service for fans from more distant parking sites.
Also as part of means to gain local community's approval a new day care is planned under the new stands, addressing the city's great need for such services.
In late 2017 the club announced a brand new main stand would be built. With roughly 2,000 seats it wouldn't change capacity in a significant way. It does, however, provide 2 floors of skyboxes, which means the commercial potential of the stadium would multiply. The work was carried out between 2018 and 2019.
10.01.2019 © Paul Martin
06.07.2018 Belgium: Topping out, express works in Mechelen
Friday saw topping out ceremony in Mechelen, where new main stand was erected in just two months. Another extremely fast project in Belgium should see the stand open in mid-August.
23.04.2018 Belgium: Main stand in Mechelen gone in a week
Demolition lasted almost exactly one week and caused quite some tears in Mechelen, judging by reactions. The most historical part of AFAS Stadion is gone, now time to build for the future.
18.03.2018 Belgium: Preparations for new stand in Mechelen
They may be relegated from the league already, but KV Mechelen aren't stopping down with their stadium redevelopment program. New main stand will begin to grow once the current one is demolished.
01.04.2016 New construction: Express delivery in Mechelen
While many fans still see it as their good old Achter de Kazerne, the stadium in Mechelen is changing. And changing faster than one might think! From now on you can see it in construction updates at StadiumDB.