This is another major win for the Wrexham stadium expansion project, as a local committee gave the green light to their new Kop Stand plans.
First shown off early in February, the new Kop Stand design was awaiting approval before any work could be done. Now, 30 days later the stand has been approved, as the project's next stage begins.
The council’s planning committee has unanimously approved plans for a new 5,500-seater Kop stand at Wrexham AFC’s Racecourse Ground.
Wrexham County Borough councillors greenlit the proposal on 3 March, only a month after club CEO Michael Williamson revealed the plans to the public. Although Wrexham University expressed concern that the development could hinder its original proposal for a student village on Crispin Lane, there were no formal objections to the project.
Wrexham stadium expansion – Kop Stand work to begin
The new stand is a huge boost for the club and the town of Wrexham. The new Kop Stand, which holds 5,000 spectators, marks a significant advancement in the ambitious Wrexham project, propelling the club into League One within a few short years. Fans can envision a promising future with only the Championship standing between them and the Premier League. The addition of 5,500 extra seats will boost revenue and create an even more intimidating environment for visiting teams.
This innovative “seating bowl” aims to amplify the home crowd's intensity, enhancing the stadium's atmosphere and directing sound towards the pitch. Additionally, the revamped roof design will optimize the overall sound from fans aimed at the playing field. Importantly, the new Kop Stand is equipped for future developments, anticipating increased capacity following a planning application.
Wrexham CEO Michael Williamson had this to say to the committee, “When Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds became co-chairmen four years ago one of their core aims was to recreate a four-sided stadium. An early brief for a replacement Kop strand was approved in 2022, but our amazing success on and off the pitch over the last few seasons required a review of our ambition for the STōK Cae Ras. The Racecourse Ground will be the centrepiece stadium for the Uefa Euro U19s tournament to be held across North Wales in summer 2026. In anticipation this summer we will install a brand-new latest generation state-of-the-art hybrid pitch that will allow the stadium to host other major international sporting events including rugby union and rugby league.”
Wrexham states that the proposed external brick facade design of the stand honours the city's nickname, ‘Terracottapolis.' The brick's colour and textures reflect the historic Ruabon red brick from the local area, facing a public plaza.
Work on the stand will begin shortly. The club plans to have it ready to use for the 2026/27 season, which, if all goes according to plan, could see it used in Premier League matches.
The stand can also be expanded in the future, should the need arise. CEO Michael Williamson added, “The new Kop stand can accommodate a greater capacity beyond the 5,500 we are seeking at present—and the future-proofing makes obvious sense even though it increases our initial costs. Any additional capacity will require a new planning application.”
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This feels like a big moment for Wrexham football club. Having spent the last few years watching the club's documentary, the Kop Stand was always a major pain point for everyone involved. Knowing that this news will eventually make it to a future series of the show, makes it all the more interesting to find out the logistics behind what happened.