Newcastle United new stadium: Magpies training ground secures world leading construction firm

Newcastle United have found a firm to lead their new training ground project, which could hint at the future of the club's new stadium plans.

The US-based firm Populous, which designed the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and outlined the plans for Roma's new home, will now lead the project. This new deal shows the level of ambition Newcastle’s Saudi-led ownership demands.

The Real Madrid facility, which Populous also designed, featured a small stadium, all-weather pitches, swimming pools, and a media suite.

Partnering with Newcastle is a significant win for both the club and Populous, particularly as various companies vied for the chance to design a cutting-edge complex that aims to become the envy of the Premier League. Tyneside architects FaulknerBrowns may also contribute to this project.

A big step forward for the Newcastle training ground

Since the PIF took over the club, a new training ground has been one of the most hyped projects. Originally, the PIF had planned to build a new site quickly, but due to a lack of locations, it was decided that the club needed to upgrade the current side first before constructing a new purpose-built facility.

Two sites have been earmarked for the project: Newcastle Racecourse, owned by the Reuben family, and a site in Woolsington, close to Newcastle Airport. The PIF recently took a stake in the airport. According to reports, the racecourse site is the most likely site.

The club will likely make an official announcement soon with a fully laid-out plan of action. With the fan forum in March, the club could show off the training ground to soften the blow of an expected new stadium announcement, which 72% of fans are not in favour of.

What it means for the stadium

Now, attention will turn to the stadium news expected in March. The outcome is expected to include the announcement of plans for a new stadium; however, very little else will likely come of it. Approval will then need to be sought, fans debated, and public scrutiny taken into account. While the local council has suggested they would like to keep the club in the city centre, the logistics of such a move may be something even the PIF's wealth cannot overcome.

One thing we can assume is that Newcastle won't be looking to build a training ground and stadium complex combined. Given the club's plan to remain in the city of Newcastle, it makes sense to separate the two.

FGG says: A positive update ahead of March

2025 will likely be a big year for stadium expansions and new developments, and Newcastle could be one of the main attractions. The news will come soon, but for now, this new training ground will give fans some hope that the behind-the-scenes ambitions of the club can begin to match those on the pitch. Just one look at the current Newcastle training ground when compared to those of Tottenham or Real Madrid, Newcastle are massively behind the curve.