Construction of the new National Stadium at Waterford is on course for completion in the third quarter of 2027, with the Chinese builder reporting steady progress on concrete works and a December target for finishing the steel structure.
Speaking at a media briefing hosted by the Chinese Embassy, Wang Lianglin, lead engineer from the Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG), delivered a detailed report on the facility:
Lianglin Wang, Beijing Construction Engineering Group
“Currently, the main concrete structure of the spectator stand is under intensive construction,” Wang said. “Concurrently, component processing and on-site installation preparations for the stadium’s steel structure are well underway. According to our schedule, the entire steel structure construction is planned for completion by December this year. Based on our overall progress, the stadium is expected to be officially handed over in the third quarter of 2027.”
The project, being rebuilt on the site of the original 1970 stadium, which was demolished, will feature a modern spectator stand designed to serve as a world-class venue for sports and cultural events.
“We are constructing a modern 10 000-seat spectator stand that will provide a high-standard space for national-level events, mass sports activities, and cultural gatherings,” Lianglin said.
The original stadium, which carried more than 50 years of athletic history, was dismantled to make way for the redevelopment. To minimise disruption and fast-track the long-awaited project, joint engineering teams significantly streamlined the initial phase.
“Before demolishing the original stadium, the Chinese project team and local contractors repeatedly discussed the execution plan,” Wang explained. “We managed to shorten the originally planned three-month demolition period to just one and a half months, saving crucial time for subsequent construction phases.”
That time saved has allowed joint construction crews to move directly into core structural work. Crews are currently focused on casting and erecting the main concrete superstructure of the spectator stand, alongside off-site fabrication of the stadium’s steel architectural framework.
Throughout the planning and execution phases, engineers prioritised tailoring the venue to local environmental conditions and community needs. Design teams worked closely with Barbadian authorities to incorporate regional climate conditions, cultural aesthetic elements, and specific functional requirements into the architecture.
“From the initial design phase, the Chinese team listened fully to the opinions of the local government and professional institutions,” Wang said. “We optimised the design by integrating local climate conditions, cultural features, and usage requirements, ensuring the venue is both modern and tailored to local preferences.”
To maintain construction speed without compromising structural integrity, quality control measures have been implemented across all phases of the work. Material inspections, structural stress tests, and safety management practices are carried out daily on site.
“Strict quality control is maintained throughout construction, including material verification, process inspection, and safety management,” Wang added. “Every process is rigorously inspected, and every batch of materials is carefully tested. We have overcome multiple challenges, including maritime material logistics and seasonal weather constraints, through meticulous management to ensure engineering quality and create a durable, reliable project.”
The workforce includes Barbadian and Chinese workers, enabling on-site technical exchange, said the Chinese engineer.
“While constructing the project, we actively organised local workforce participation, employing local workers as much as possible to create jobs, facilitate technology exchange, and achieve mutual benefits. Furthermore, our team strictly abides by local regulations, respects local customs, and engages with the community, including local cleanup initiatives around the site area.”
The completion of the new stadium is being touted as a major addition to the national sports infrastructure, upgrading a venue that hosted regional tournaments, national championships, and large civic events for decades. It is also being projected as a symbol of Barbados-China cooperation.
“The completion of the new stadium will not only be a landmark livelihood project symbolising friendly cooperation between our two countries, but it will also boost national sports development and enrich the cultural life of the city,” Wang said.
“Our team will continue to adhere strictly to safety standards, ensure top quality, and advance the project on schedule. We look forward to this stadium serving as a lasting monument of partnership and opening a vibrant new chapter in our shared growth.”
(RR)
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