Norman Foster on San Siro: ‘Will respect heritage but also create something new’

Lord Norman Foster has shared his thoughts on the planned redevelopment of the San Siro area and the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, which his firm, along with MANICA, will be responsible for designing: ‘It’s an exciting journey, which will respect heritage but also create something new’.

The Milan city council have recently voted in favour of a sale of the San Siro site, including the Stadio Meazza, to the football clubs AC Milan and Inter.

The two clubs will look to completely redevelop the stadium and surrounding area to bring the site in line with other state-of-the-art sporting venues across Europe. Foster + Partners, founded by Lord Foster, along with MANICA, who specialise in the design and construction of sports venues, have been confirmed as the architects for the new project.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Outside view of the stadium prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

What Norman Foster said about new San Siro project

Lord Foster was in Italy on Tuesday for the Next Design Perspectives 2025 event in the city of Milan, where he briefly spoke about the ‘exciting’ San Siro project.

Lord Foster admits that it is too early to give any major updates on the redevelopment, but expressed his excitement at being involved.

“We’re starting the design process and it will be an exciting journey,” Lord Foster said (via Milannews.it) “It’s too early to talk about it, but it will be an interesting project. I hope to return here soon and share the fruit of our labour with everyone involved.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Outside view of the stadium prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It’s a great project. Two teams, two owners, the city, an exceptional, iconic structure. History tells us that there is an inevitable need for a new stadium.

When asked if he has ever had the opportunity to visit San Siro before, Lord Foster replied: “Of course. It’s an iconic structure. When you’re there, you realise it’s a spectacular experience.”

Lord Foster was asked what he made of those who fell in love with the stadium in its current form and do not want to see it torn down.

“The needs are different now,” Foster responded. “There are more fans, it’s a different quality of life, the level of hospitality, all these different factors are changing. And that’s why the stadium looks different today to how it did when it was created in the 1920s.

“This is the beginning of a journey, which will respect heritage but will also create something new . The memories of a story, which began in 2916, will remain. I think it’s an exciting challenge. San Siro is a very powerful symbol. The process has begun and we are all very optimistic, enthusiastic and committed.”