Wrexham AFC’s ambitious plans to transform the iconic Kop Stand at the Stok Cae Ras have taken another significant step forward, with chief executive Michael Williamson describing the project as “iconic” for both the club and the city.
Construction is already under way, with the redevelopment forming a central pillar of Wrexham’s long-term vision as they continue their rapid rise on and off the pitch.
Work on the Kop began in 2025 and is scheduled to be completed in early 2027, finally restoring the historic ground to a four-sided stadium.
The redevelopment is designed to meet soaring supporter demand while modernising facilities and creating a landmark structure worthy of Wrexham’s growing profile.
Williamson has now revealed that while planning permission currently covers a 5,500-seat stand, the club is building with a larger future in mind.
“We have planning permission for 5,500 but we're actually building a facility that will have 7,500 additional capacity,” Williamson said while speaking to BBC Radio Wales Sport.
Once further approvals are secured, the Kop could boost the stadium’s overall capacity to around 18,000, a figure that would mark a major leap forward for the Racecourse Ground.
The update underlines Wrexham’s intent to think beyond short-term needs, ensuring the stadium can support sustained progress rather than requiring further disruptive works in the near future.
Kop Stand built with expansion firmly in mind
During his interview on BBC Radio Wales Sport, Williamson confirmed that the Kop redevelopment is already exceeding its initial brief.
Although permission has been granted for 5,500 seats, the structure itself is being constructed to accommodate up to 7,500 supporters once additional planning consent is approved.
“Once we get the additional planning permission approved, we’ll be at 18,000 seats here at Stok Cae Ras, which will be fantastic,” Williamson said. “It’s needed, it’s going to be a beautiful facility, it’ll be iconic for the city and the football club.”
Contractors McLaren are currently on site, with groundwork progressing steadily. Piling is under way to lay the foundations, with steelwork and the external facade set to follow in later phases, and the steady pace of development has reinforced confidence that the project remains firmly on schedule.
While the full stand is not expected to open until early 2027, Williamson also hinted that parts of the Kop could become available to supporters sooner.
FGG News
Wrexham’s Kop project is a statement. By building beyond current planning limits and future-proofing the stand for 18,000 seats, the club is signalling belief in sustained growth.
If the delivery matches the vision, the new Kop could become one of the most distinctive and emotionally charged stands in British football, reconnecting history with modern ambition.