Thelbert Carti: soon to be ‘the most beautiful stadium in the Concacaf region’
Nine years after Irma, the reconstruction of the Thelbert Carti Stadium in Quartier d’Orléans is entering its operational phase. The foundation stone was laid on Tuesday 4 August by Louis Mussington, President of the Collectivité, Marie-Hildegarde Chauveau, sub-prefect, and Marc Gérald Ménard, territorial councillor responsible for sport, who spearheaded the project. The demolition of the existing facilities is due to be completed by the end of the year, ahead of the start of reconstruction in January 2027.
During the ceremony, Louis Mussington described the project as “urgent and necessary” and the day as a “historic moment”. He assured those present that, within two years, Saint Martin would have “the finest stadium in the CONCACAF region” (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football). The future facility will enable the territory to host competitions, but also to make its facilities available to other islands, explained Marc Gérald Ménard.
For Marie-Hildegarde Chauveau, the laying of the foundation stone marks the culmination of the preparatory work and signifies the moment when the project comes to life. The sub-prefect believes the complex will become the heart of the neighbourhood and offer young people new opportunities through sport – a factor that was a key driver behind the government’s support.
A sports facility and a community hub
This is no longer simply a renovation, but a complete rebuild. The future complex will incorporate the football stadium, the basketball court and the community centre. It is set to become a central space for the residents of Quartier d’Orléans, schools, community organisations and sports clubs. According to the project management team, the project also aims to better integrate the stadium into its urban surroundings and to strengthen social cohesion.
The architecture will be adapted to the local climate, featuring trellises, timber cladding and a gabled roof. The buildings will comply with earthquake and hurricane resistance standards. Hot water, supplied from storage tanks, will be heated using solar energy. In the long term, photovoltaic panels are expected to be installed, although they are not currently included in the project.
The complex will feature several stands, changing rooms, a media area, a public car park and a car park reserved for players and officials. The central forecourt will include a drop-off zone and three refreshment kiosks.
The new facility will meet CONCACAF standards, comprising a stadium measuring 103 m by 165 m, requiring the demolition of the current community centre, which will be incorporated into the new complex. The pitch will be fitted with artificial turf, a drainage system and floodlights to enable evening matches to be broadcast. The surrounding area will be landscaped with the planting of 64 trees along the path linking the public car park to the stadium entrance.
A budget of €15 million and completion in 2028
In May 2025, completion was announced for the third quarter of 2027. The Executive Council’s resolution of 18 June now provides for thirty months of works. The first phase of the project, lasting three months, will involve the demolition of the community centre. A public procurement procedure, led by Semsamar, was published on 23 July for the demolition; contractors have until 17 September to submit their tenders. Reconstruction work is scheduled to begin next January. The stadium will be able to continue hosting matches during the first year of the works. It will be closed during the second year to allow for the laying of artificial turf and the completion of the refurbishment works.
According to the minutes of the Executive Council meeting of 18 June, the new funding plan brings the total cost of the project to €15,003,000 excluding VAT. The Local Authority will cover €8,503,000. The State will contribute €4.7 million, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) €1 million, and the National Sports Agency €800,000. The Albéric Richards Stadium in Sandy Ground is expected to be the next sports facility to undergo refurbishment.
