Wrexham Kop Stand redevelopment hits major milestone as official club statement released

Wrexham have enjoyed a meteoric rise through the divisions since their Hollywood takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and purchasing a plot of land from the Welsh Government has seen the club reach another major milestone en route to expanding the Kop Stand at the Racecourse Ground.

‘Wrexham AFC can confirm that they have completed the purchase from the Welsh Government of the land located on the corner of Crispin Lane and Mold Road and behind the Kop development,' reads a statement on the Wrexham website, noting that it was the ‘final plot' of land involved in the project.

The Red Dragons are ‘now in full ownership of the enlarged stadium footprint and the additional land that will form the public realm area approaching the Kop from Mold Road', the post continues, as fan excitement grows about the future.

Adam Price MS, Welsh Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, speaks on Wrexham's milestone purchase

Wrexham have become one of the most recognisable Welsh cultural assets worldwide, and it would be fair to say that their actions have the attention of the country's government.

Contributing to the club's statement, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price MS – who is also a former MP and leader of Plaid Cymru – said:

“The completion of this purchase marks another significant milestone for Wrexham AFC and for the wider regeneration of Wrexham. 

“Projects like this show the positive impact that investment can have in creating vibrant places that attract visitors, support local businesses and boost confidence in the local economy. 

“The Welsh Government has been proud to work with the Club and its partners to help unlock this opportunity, and I look forward to seeing the benefits this development will bring for Wrexham and North Wales for years to come.”

What is the latest update on Wrexham's Kop Stand?

Fans have been enjoying footage shared online of the progress at the Racecourse Ground, with drones capturing the installation of steelwork and the placement of roofing in recent months.

On September 8, just hours before Wrexham's 1-1 draw with Burnley, construction crews were spotted preparing to lift a piece of the Kop Stand into place.

The fact that the project was continuing apace on a matchday points to the speed at which the club are moving, an idea bolstered by this week's purchase, which followed on from a deal to buy the nearby Turf Pub a few weeks prior.

Rounding off the Red Dragon's statement, Wrexham CEO Michael Williamson said: “The successful exchange and completion by the Club on the Crispin Lane plot of land from the Welsh Government is another milestone in the redevelopment of the new Kop Stand.  

“The Club would like to thank the Welsh Government and all our Wrexham Gateway project partners for working together to deliver landmark change and progress to the City of Wrexham.” 

FGG Says:

Wrexham may have missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season, but the fact that the club's ownership group are pursuing expansion of the stadium with such intent will help to secure the team's stability in the EFL pyramid.

Getting their hands on the ‘final' plot of land required comes as part of a broader scheme from the Welsh side's leadership to bolster revenues while enhancing the matchday experience in and around the Racecourse Ground.