(5 March 2026 | Source: Telegram channel Nege.Aqsha)
The project to build a new stadium in Shymkent, the launch of which was announced following a directive from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has effectively made no progress in two years. One of the obstacles cited is the protracted procedure for the expropriation of additional land plots, without which the authorities cannot begin construction work.
STADIUM CONSTRUCTION DELAYED AFTER PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered the start of construction of a new stadium in Shymkent back in 2024. City authorities announced the launch of the project, and the akim (mayor) Gabit Syzdykbekov held a symbolic capsule-laying ceremony, reports Telegram channel Nege.Aqsha, citing data from MIA Kazinform.
However, two years later, construction has effectively not started. According to available information, the city akimat has not even completed the preparation of the design and estimate documentation (DED).
WHY THE CITY NEEDED A NEW ARENA
The need for a new stadium was justified by the condition of the existing sports infrastructure. The city's only major arena — the Kazhymukan Stadium — was built 57 years ago and has a capacity of approximately 18,000 spectators.
For a city with a population of over 1 million people, such capacity, according to the project's initiators, is insufficient.
It was planned that the new arena would be able to accommodate up to 35,000 fans. In terms of capacity, it could surpass the Astana Arena and become the largest stadium in the country. However, at present, the project remains only in the preparation stage.
LAND ISSUE STALLED THE START OF CONSTRUCTION
Initially, 20.9 hectares of land were allocated for construction. It later emerged that an additional 6.24 hectares were required for the project's implementation.
To acquire this territory, the authorities began the procedure for the compulsory expropriation of plots for state needs. According to available information, it is this process that has dragged on and effectively halted the start of construction work.
The materials do not specify exactly how many plots need to be expropriated or at what stage the procedure is at.
COST OF THE PROJECT CURRENTLY UNKNOWN
The final cost of the stadium's construction is also not yet determined. It will only become known after the state expert review of the DED, which had not been completed at the time of writing.
For comparison: the construction of a new 35,000-seat stadium in Aktobe is estimated at approximately 65–70 billion tenge. However, the exact cost of the Shymkent project has not been officially announced.
WHO WILL BUILD THE STADIUM
The future arena is intended to become the home stadium of the football club Ordabasy.
The construction of the facility has been entrusted to the company Qazaq Stroy, owned by businessman Nurlan Artykbaev. At the same time, the businessman also owns the football club Aktobe, which plays in the Kazakhstan Premier League and is one of the rivals of Ordabasy.
Thus, the timeline for the start of construction of the stadium in Shymkent remains uncertain, despite the previously announced plans for the project's launch.