Newcastle's new stadium plans have taken yet another turn, just 24 hours after the last report.
Newcastle United is planning to construct a new super stadium with a capacity of 65,000 at Leazes Park. According to an exclusive report by the Daily Mail. Original plans were revealed a few months back that the club had planned to build on an “overlapping site” with St James' Park. The key positive there is that the stadium would remain in roughly the same location. However, it would require the club to move the stadium towards the end of construction. Which had caused substantial headaches internally.
The new stadium will remain in its city-centre location at Leazes Park, located directly next to St James' Park. The club is preparing to present its plans to the Government for approval, a project anticipated to create numerous jobs and boost the local economy. Early hints from Downing Street suggest the UK Government will seek to assist the club in bypassing any red tape to speed up the process.
Newcastle new stadium – Maximum revenue
With the new stadium likely to see a capacity of around 65,000, revenue has been a key reason for the new stadium. While the project could cost well over £1 billion to build, the money the club can earn from PSR each year would more than cover it.
The exterior resembles “bubble wrap” and features a parkland-style layout, making it Newcastle’s answer to Wembley Way. Architects KSS from London and Ryder, based in Tyneside, have contributed several designs. The Allianz Arena in Munich, known for its bubble-wrap style, is one of the most iconic, and serves as inspiration for some of the designs.
Initially, it was believed that Newcastle executives would aim for a capacity nearing 70,000. However, club CEO Darren Eales has consistently cautioned against pursuing a number that might leave seats unfilled, even for a single match a season. So, for now, the plans will be more reserved, with expansion potential baked into the design.
As has become popular now, Newcastle will also design their own version of “Wembley Way.” A similar design was also unveiled by Manchester United just this week.
Leazes Park it is
It looks like, after around 6 months of reporting on all the ifs and buts, Leazes Park has won the race. Newcastle United’s ownership supported a new stadium at Leazes Park as plans to replace St James’ Park advanced. The PIF, the club's majority owners, will decide on any project, and the club is likely to present plans to the fan base shortly after. Interest in a new stadium is growing among the fan base, but they are not fully convinced. This latest story may be the middle ground some wanted.
A new stadium, a large capacity, with scope for more in future. But, remaining in a central location within the city. The final bonus is that the club can remain at St James' Park during building, and it might not be the end of the road of St James' Park either. However, there is no word on what could happen to it just yet.
FGG says: A huge step forward for Newcastle
It's a fitting end to the saga of what will happen to St James' Park. While we don't have official word, the Daily Mail tends to be pretty spot-on with Newcastle stories, so official announcements are likely only weeks away. A fan forum in March could be the time the club picks to announce plans. However, with the Carabao Cup final to come, it might alter how and when the club choose to announce any future plans.
As a Newcastle fan, a new stadium is always going to be a weird pill to swallow. On the one hand, it means more fans can get to watch games, and the club can bring in more revenue. On the other hand, an over 100-year-old stadium is very likely to bite the dust as a result. Let's hope the stadium can remain, with the club finding another use for it, like the club's women's team etc.