Arena Javari plan modernises iconic Rua Javari, sparks heritage dispute and splits Juventus fans | OneFootball

Rua Javari, home of Juventus in São Paulo’s Mooca district, is being modernised as the club return to the Campeonato Paulista after 18 years. According to Globo.com, the revamp has split opinion and reopened the question of updating a listed ground without losing identity.

Conde Rodolfo Crespi was granted heritage status in 2016. Juventus became a SAF in 2025 and, under administrators Contea Capital, have mapped a decade-long project, with R$ 480 million pledged and a goal of reaching Série A of the Brasileiro in 2035.

Unveiled just over a week ago, the Arena Javari plan would enlarge the side stands, add new boxes and create a rooftop. Capacity would rise from 5,000 to 11,000 on matchdays and up to 25,000 for events. Work is split into two phases, with completion targeted for December.

In 2020, Conpresp ruled that elements such as the walls, main entrance, ticket offices, stands and the pitch must be preserved, and that any intervention needs approval. The SAF has asked to revise that resolution, citing capacity demands to host Série A1 fixtures.

Initial works began in May before Conpresp had ruled, and early changes are visible at the entrance. The council has requested an updated project, a photographic report and a further DPH assessment. SAF chief executive Cláudio Fiorito says this is a revitalisation, not a new build, that listed features including the façade, ticket office and historic tribunes will be preserved, and that he does not fear sanctions.

Source: Globo.com