Spanish firm Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos have revealed the first concept images of their latest project – a 260,000 sq m football complex in Dalian, China.

The expansive campus will comprise 23 regulation-size pitches, a hotel, gardens, and a select number of short-stay residential units.

The US$297m (€264.7m, £235.8m) facility will also function as a training ground and academy for professional teams and youth clubs, including Dalian Yifang FC.

Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos' were interviewed by CLAD in 2017

The ambitious project is being developed by Chinese conglomerate, Wanda Group, who acquired Dalian Yifang last year after the company sold its 17 per cent stake in Atletico Madrid.

In a statement, Wanda Group said the scheme would address the “lack of continuity in China’s football talent pipeline”.

“The number of youth players in Dalian is less than a tenth of what it was at its peak,” said the company. “The first thing we intend to do is build a youth training system, which shows that Wanda has identified the core factor to promote the revitalisation of football in Dalian.”

The first stage of the development is expected to be completed in December.

Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos' other well-known projects include the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, which was featured in CLADmag Q4 2017.