Building permit suspended! Next setback for WSG Tirol

The redevelopment of the Wattens stadium continues to run into obstacles.

As reported by "Tiroler Tageszeitung", the building permit has now even been suspended for the time being due to missing financing.

The municipal council is responsible for this measure, having made the decision on Thursday evening. The building permit had already been granted in March, but it has now been suspended until full financing can be proven with documentation.

"Approval for the stadium adaptation was contingent on secured financing. Contrary to statements made in the spring, financing is not secured as of today," Mayor Lukas Schmied is quoted by the "TT".

During the municipal council meeting on Thursday evening, the building permit granted in March was suspended: "Until financing appears verifiably secured with documentation," Schmied explained.

Strained relationship

Reference was also made in the council meeting to statements made by WSG after the municipality declined to provide a deficiency guarantee of up to one million euros.

WSG boss Köck: "I felt like I was being taken for a ride" >>>

"Should such behavior happen again, the municipality has legal options within the contractual framework to enforce consequences. However, I do not believe a sanction is necessary at this stage. We remain open to working together on equal terms," said Mayor Schmied.

Another sore point for the municipality was likely the fact that the stadium bucket seats, which had been purchased by the town following Euro 2008, were given away by WSG to other clubs — without consulting the municipality. The donation was approved retroactively.

As things stand, the targeted return to Wattens in January appears illusory. Work at the construction site has come to a standstill.