Real Madrid’s ambitious overhaul of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium continues — and this time, it extends beyond the stadium walls. The Madrid City Council has officially approved the club’s €19.6 million proposal to renovate and beautify the areas surrounding the iconic venue, a major move aimed at modernizing the urban landscape and addressing years of wear and tear caused by stadium construction.
A Greener, More Modern Bernabéu Neighborhood
As outlined in the proposal, Real Madrid will fund the entire project independently — without any subsidies
from the city. The plan will transform the surrounding streets, sidewalks, and public spaces, many of which were damaged or neglected during the lengthy renovation process of the stadium. The goal: to create a cleaner, more pedestrian-friendly environment befitting the new Bernabéu.
Among the highlights:
- The pedestrian zone will expand dramatically from 14,000 square meters to 40,500 square meters.
- Over 4,500 square meters of new green areas will be introduced.
- More than 300 new trees will be planted.
- Upgrades to stormwater drainage systems and sewers are included.
- The project also features new lighting, urban furniture, and approximately 1,000 benches made of granite and wood.
Streets in Focus
Some improvements are already visible. Calle Rafael Salgado, located north of the stadium, has already undergone a significant facelift with wider sidewalks and increased greenery. Next up are other key roads surrounding the Bernabéu: Concha Espina, Paseo de la Castellana, and Calle Padre Damián — all of which are slated for similar upgrades, pending the ongoing metro and underground parking construction.
Still Not Done
Even though most of the structural work on the Bernabéu itself is complete, Madridistas still have to wait a bit longer for the full experience. Continued underground work, along with the development of the new metro station, means the area remains a construction site — albeit one in transition.
In the meantime, Real Madrid continues to push forward. The club recently announced new lighting and animation features for the stadium’s futuristic exterior, signaling their intention to turn the Bernabéu into a fully immersive entertainment hub.
The stadium renovation has already crossed the €1.3 billion mark. Now, with nearly €20 million more earmarked for public space improvements, it’s clear that the club’s vision of the Bernabéu as a world-class destination goes far beyond the pitch.
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