Raków Częstochowa lost the chance to build a new stadium on the former Elanex textile factory – the heritage conservator blocked the project and the case now heads to the Voivodeship Administrative Court. The city therefore suggested an alternative site near Złota Góra that meets technical and transport requirements.
Why did Elanex fall through?
The heritage conservator's decision made it clear that constructing a modern sports venue on Elanex is impossible. While the location is well connected, legal protection of the site – still debated – prevents meeting technical standards. Deputy mayor Łukasz Kot emphasized that even a smaller stadium would not fit, and the city plans to appeal to the court, a process that could take months.
What does the city propose?
The new location is an area near Złota Góra, previously closed and neglected, featuring a quarry, a monument to Pope John Paul II, and an abandoned sacred miniature park. The key advantage is close access to the DK‑1 highway, the city's main transit axis. According to Dziennik Zachodni, the stadium design will echo Portugal's Braga arena, adopting a U‑shape and using the quarry as one wall.
Will Raków accept Złota Góra?
Preliminary talks suggest the club's management is receptive. Raków does not want to move far beyond the Raków district, and the proposed site meets crucial criteria – road access, potential for sports infrastructure expansion, and proximity to existing facilities like the Włókniarz football ground and the Norwid volleyball hall. The city has six months to acquire the plot from private owners and must conduct geodetic drilling to confirm ground conditions.
Costs and timeline?
The estimated construction cost at Złota Góra is about 300 million PLN. The project still needs club approval and preparatory work, so completion remains distant. The plan also excludes a site in the Rząsawy district owned by the National Agricultural Support Centre, which the club rejected due to the need for new road infrastructure.
Currently Raków sits 4th in the Ekstraklasa with 55 points after 34 games (16 wins, 7 draws, 11 losses) and trails league leaders Lech Poznań by five points. The latest result, on 8 July 2026, was a 4‑3 defeat to Zulte Waregem, and the recent form over five matches is four wins and one loss (LWWWW). The next fixture is on 11 July 2026 against PSV Eindhoven away.
