The club has made a smart move after conducting a feasibility study. They have decided to opt for the redevelopment of their current stadium, instead of investing in a new one. This decision is not only cost-effective but also shows the club's commitment towards sustainable development. By choosing to improve their current infrastructure, the club is not only preserving the legacy of their existing home but also delivering a better experience for their fans.
Newcastle United has completed a feasibility study of St James' Park and is now planning to expand and modernize its historical home by building on the current site in the city centre. The club has a vision to increase the capacity of the stadium to over 60,000 and modernize facilities inside the stadium. Architects have provided a range of options that will make this expansion possible. However, before the multi-million-pound redevelopment can begin, Newcastle City Council will need to discuss the length of their leasehold on St James’ Park. Currently, the lease has 70 years to run, but the club understandably wants to extend it before investing hundreds of millions of pounds in the project. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, who have a majority stake of 80 per cent in the club and will bankroll the project, will want to ensure they have long term security on their investment.
There were two potential alternative sites under consideration. The first site, on the banks of the River Tyne on the site of the Metro Radio Arena, has since been purchased for redevelopment as housing. The second idea was to completely rebuild St James’ Park on Leazes Park next to the existing stadium. However, the plan now is to create a large, modern, multi-purpose venue that, as well as giving the football club one of the most spectacular and innovative stadiums in the country to play in, can also be used to host concerts and other sporting events.
Although the feasibility study has been completed, building work is not expected to start before the end of the year, and it is unclear when it will begin as the funding for the project still needs to be discussed with the relevant stakeholders. There also remains a slim possibility that PIF could decide to move to a new site if they cannot reach an agreement on the leasehold. But the overwhelming preference is to remain at St James’ Park and the feasibility study has shown their ambitious plans can be fulfilled without relocating.
The rebuild is complicated by the fact that Newcastle is one of the host cities when England, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland stage the European Championship in 2028. St James’ Park is also part of a city centre conservation area, with a park behind the Leazes End and Grade One listed buildings behind the East Stand. A road and a metro station are also situated behind the Gallowgate End, although the land needed for the rebuild of that end of the stadium has already been purchased by the club.
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