As CEO of Stadio della Roma, Mark Pannes is leading the ‘most elite group of specialists ever assembled to build a stadium’. And what’s more, he insists the team are only just getting started…

For fans that are not familiar with the legal process, can you explain exactly what has happened today?
“The Stadio della Roma project took a major step forward today. In order to receive all approvals and begin construction, we need to receive two sets of approval. The first, a declaration of public interest – that is, building this new stadium is in the public interest of the citizens and City of Rome – was granted by the Comune di Roma on 22nd December 2015.
The second approval is granted by the Region of Lazio and this is a technical set of approvals ensuring the stadium and surrounding development meets building codes, fire and safety regulations, environmental standards etc. The technical project dossier is what we have submitted today. If everything proceeds according to plan, we should receive approval by the end of 2015.”

How important was it that the project team met the deadline today to submit their plans for Stadio della Roma?
“Well, a hallmark of our ownership group is to transparently and publically set goals for this organization and to then follow through and meet those goals. Meeting today’s deadline is another affirmative step in building a culture of success, so we feel it was important.”

What is contained within the dossier?
“Detailed technical information about the entire master site development. That includes the stadium, the new first team training facility, our fan-focused Roma Village with an AS Roma super store, a two-story themed restaurant overlooking the practice pitches, a club museum and Hall of Fame, the CONVIVIUM entertainment district filled with restaurants, bars and shops, a major new business park that will ensure Tor di Valle is a new hub in Southwest Rome, a series of parks – providing the second most green space in Roma after Villa Borghese – and a host of new infrastructure – bridges, roads, parking, etc. This dossier includes the entire roadmap for the master site development.”

How many people are working on the project all over the world?
“At this point, hundreds. And they are spread across Italy, the United States, the UK, Asia and Europe. Our selection strategy is simple – who is the best in the world at the task at hand? Let’s go get them and have them join the team. And now, two years into it, we have assembled, unquestionably, the most elite group of specialists ever assembled to build a stadium. The work product has been world class and we’re just getting started.”

What have been the most challenging aspects of the project so far?
“Well, AS Roma has been trying to build a new stadium to play in since 1939 – so there have been a range of challenges! Truth be told, however, the issues we have faced in this project have forced us to be very creative and very strategic in our approach. The quality of the design and our close collaboration with the Comune di Roma reflect that.”

What has pleased you most about the project so far?
“Two things – first, we have the opportunity to build the next most important building in the most built-upon place in the history of the world. THAT’S very cool and that means that all aspects have to meet historic standards. Secondly, our fans’ enthusiasm for the project. They understand how transformative it will be for their club and their city.”

In terms of the scale of this project, is there anything like it going on in Italy or Europe right now?
“No. Nothing that combines sports, entertainment, recreation, commercial and business developments, urban regeneration and a broad range of infrastructure improvements. There are major projects in each of those areas, but nothing that combines all of these elements.”

What impact do you think it will have on the economy of Rome and what message do you think it sends out to the global business community about what it happening in Italy?
“Given its marquee location at the gateway of the city to/from Fiumicino airport, this is a hugely significant project for Rome, for Italy, indeed for Southern Europe. A dynamic project of this scope and scale will be a catalyst for the entire region. The message it will send is clear – Rome is open for business.”

What happens next and when can we expect to see actual building work commence?
“We will be working with the Comune and the Region to ensure that the project dossier meets all the requirements necessary to commence construction. We’re looking to break ground by the end of the year.”