Greek architecture practice K-Studio and engineering firm Arup have unveiled plans for the renovation and expansion of the Grigoris Lamprakis Stadium in Athens.

Commonly known as El Paso, the 6,300-seat stadium, which is currently home to Athens Kallithea FC, will see its capacity expanded to 9,000 seats, existing facilities upgraded and an extension added to its front.

Looking to "activate the site beyond match days", the proposal by K-Studio and Arup will also introduce a new public park, restaurants and event spaces intended to reinforce the stadium's role as a multi-use venue.

"The transformation seeks to re-envision the stadium as a contemporary venue for sports and culture, enhancing its role as a place of gathering and wellbeing," said K-Studio founder Dimitris Karampatakis.

"The proposal reframes the site as an active civic hub, strengthening its connectivity and transforming it into a destination that attracts both local residents and visitors from across Athens," creative director Giorgos Karampelas added.

The design by K-Studio and Arup is set to largely preserve the stadium's existing structure, which is centred by a football  pitch encircled by a running track.

Sat on a backdrop of the site's rocky landscape, the surrounding seating stands will be expanded and partially shaded by canopies.

A new facade addition, informed by local scaffolding structures, will be added to the stadium's front.

Renders of the space reveal the gridded steel extension containing public spaces at ground level and external walkways sheltered by curved roof panels above.

"The design operates through precise architectural and landscape interventions that reinforce – rather than replace – the stadium's inherent qualities," the studio said.

With the goal of transforming the venue into a "porous civic landscape", the existing fenced perimeter will be opened up to create a new public park, where trees and vegetation is hoped to improve the site's microclimate.

Other new public areas will include retail space, while the stadium's existing wellness zone, exhibition area and multi-purpose event space will be updated.

Elsewhere, a 1,280-seat football stadium built from eucalyptus poles and sandstone offcuts was recently completed in Lesotho and Populous revealed plans to revamp the "home of Indian cricket" in Kolkata.

The renders are courtesy of Filippo Bolognese.