Par
Nicolas Gosselin
Published on
Jan 14, 2025 at 6:09 p.m.
“We know the fragilities of the operator of the large stadium but the Metropolis is prepared for all eventualities, including the liquidation of SBA,” announced Christine Bost at a press conference, this Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
As part of the public-private partnership (PPP) which binds them, the conciliation procedure between Bordeaux Métropole and the operator is at point mort since 2023 and SBA is closer than ever to filing for bankruptcy.
If he intervened, the Metropolis would still have to pay 85 million euros for the construction of the 42,115-seat enclosure. Far from being a straw but the president of the community does not seem worried.
Asked by Bordeaux newsChristine Bost affirms that there “will be no additional burden for the taxpayer”. According to her, the Metropolis will continue to reimburse the 5 million euros per year to the banks for the construction cost and they “have no interest in requesting total reimbursement” even in the event of liquidation of SBA.
“I must prioritize public money”
What if that was the case? The president of Bordeaux Métropole recalls that its investment budget is 800 million euros per year. In other words, it could be absorbed without problem. This still represents more than 10% of the budget so it’s not as trivial, all the same, and it would inevitably have repercussions whatever she says.
In any case, the president of Bordeaux Métropole refuse to accede to the demands of SBA, which is asking to review the PPP contract and demanding 3.4 million euros more from the Metropolis, in particular to compensate for the shortfall from the end of the naming contract to come regardless the responsibility lies with the operator.
“If SBA is liquidated, the Metropolis is ready to take over the management of the stadium, she knows how to do it. There is also the possibility of an investor, who would take over the Girondins and the stadium. No eventuality is favored by the Metropolis but as president, I must prioritize public moneyto ensure that the situation we face is the least restrictive for the metropolitan taxpayer,” expressed Christine Bost.
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