St James' Park redevelopment plans could be dealt a killer blow with reports suggesting the PIF may not be willing to invest.
Newcastle United fans have been following the stories around St James' Park ever since the PIF purchased an 80% stake in the club. The PIF at the time made a lot of promises, but two stood out. Redevelopment of the training ground, leading to a new facility being built. And improvements to St James' Park or a new stadium.
The former of this has happened but plans for a new training facility have now led ‘club insiders' to suggest the PIF ‘won't invest' in the stadium project.
St James' Park latest
The news came out today via an Athletic report about the future of St James' Park. We know that news is expected to be revealed to fans in mid-March, with news about a new stadium or St James' Park redevelopment likely to be confirmed. However, today's news suggests a mixed reaction.
The report suggests that a number of factors have come to light, some of which are out of Newcastle's control. Firstly, the stadium must be ready to host the 2028 European Championships at least six months before the tournament. So, if redevelopment is the plan, it will either need to be finished by that date or start after. The other issue is that Newcastle United cannot sell St James' Park, as the Freeman of Newcastle owns the land.
While club officials continue to claim the PIF is willing to back the project, insiders have suggested the opposite. Some stakeholders at the club have suggested that the PIF would not be willing to back the project, it remains to be seen why this is the case, however. Some speculation is that fans' preference to stay at St James' Park could be a key factor, with the PIF favouring a new stadium. A ‘one cheque' solution was proposed in 2024, so it's unlikely the PIF would be willing to improve St James' Park, and then build a new stadium down the road.
The final two hurdles are the city's Metro rail system, which runs under parts of the stadium, and the proposed Leazes Park site, which is expected to be very challenging to gain planning permission for. Not only are Council officials likely to protest, but local residents are also likely to oppose the plans.
Feasibility study is now the key
Early 2025 is now a key date for fans, with the Fan Advisory Board (FAB), set to meet in March the likely key date. At this meeting, the club are expected to present their findings to fans, with the club's preference then likely being offered up. The study has been running for more than a year, but it was revealed in October that the club had only just completed the first phase of the project.
The good news for fans wanting an update comes in the form of the club's two most recent hires. COO Brad Miller was a key player in the Manchester Airport Terminal 2 project. Roger Thornton, another new member of the club's board, was also part of this project. This would suggest the club is filling its board with people well-versed in major construction projects.
As shown below, courtesy of the Athletic, the fact that the land behind the Gallowgate End is under their control somewhat forces their hands. But the Metro line being under the section complicates that even more.
FGG Says: March is a key date for fans
It seems like we write a story about St James' Park once a week. In fact, this is the second one this week, which tells you how close we are to hearing news. With the Everton stadium near completion, a new major stadium project is very much welcomed.
For Newcastle fans, answers are coming, and frankly, no one really knows what is going on until we are told. March will come fast, and it's obvious from surveys by the club that whatever of the three options are taken up by the club, someone is going to be very upset.