London-based S&P Architects are to work with Dutch architects, Zwarts and Jansma to design a 60,000sq m retail and leisure centre as part of a new stadium development for Dutch football team, AZ Alkmaar.

The complex will host AZ Alkmaar games once a fortnight, while the rest of the time it will be an entertainment and shopping mall.

Alongside the 13,000-seater stadium and shops, leisure facilities will include a multiplex cinema, casinos, restaurants and nightclubs.

The mixed-use nature of the scheme is intended to provide the revenue to pay for the building of the new stadium – which is expected to be opened in 2005, in time to become one of the venues for the World Youth Football Championships. However, the shopping and leisure aspects will not be branded in the team’s colours.

S&P director, Paul Young, said: “I strongly believe this type of development could be a future model for football clubs across Europe to enable them to improve facilities whilst also providing an exciting mix of retail and leisure venues for the wider community.” Details: www.s-parchitects.com