Exclusive: Plans that are considerably more elaborate than first anticipated, include a multipurpose venue and a complete renovation of the city center
Instead of just expanding St. James’ Park, Newcastle United is considering a total reconstruction as part of a larger plan that would include much more than just a new football stadium for the neighborhood.
Even while there has long been discussion of wanting to enlarge St. James’ Park, the plan under consideration is much more ambitious and calls for building a brand-new, purpose-built stadium on the current site.
For the first time, Telegraph Sport can disclose that the project is more larger than first anticipated should Newcastle choose to remain at St. James’ Park rather than relocate to a new location, which is still being considered.
The goal would be to rebuild the stadium from the ground up, not just to enlarge and modernize the Gallowgate End and East Stand, but to start from scratch and add seats as needed. The capacity of the new network might be increased to around 65,000–70,000, meaning that the projected cost could reach £1 billion.
It is anticipated that the new stadium would be a cutting-edge, multipurpose facility at the heart of a revitalized city center, regardless of the ultimate choice, which is anticipated to be announced early next year.
It is believed that the stadium may be relocated away from the Grade A-listed structures behind the East Stand to make more room if Newcastle choose to remain in St. James’ Park and the council decides to extend its lease, which only has 70 years remaining.
That would mean demolishing the multi-story parking lot behind Leazes End and the Milburn Stand. A prominent highway in the center of the city called Barrack Road would also need to be reconstructed and realigned.
A fully restored St. James’ Park would resemble Tottenham Hotspur’s White Hart Land initiative.
Though there have been numerous internal discussions about a new stadium and the options available should they move, Telegraph Sport can also reveal that the council, which would have to grant planning permission, has not been involved, meaning the project’s construction phase is still quite some way off.
It also seems especially noteworthy considering that this week has seen a resurgence of another option, first reported by Telegraph Sport earlier this year: the construction of a brand-new, purpose-built stadium on the site of the former Leazes Park, which dates back to the Victorian era.
It would be contentious to develop on a historically valuable green space in the middle of the city, such as Leazes Park, which is located in a conservation area.
It would seem strange that the club hasn’t discussed this idea with the council, as they would need to know if the city would even entertain the possibility of letting them construct there.
However, Newcastle has made it clear that they plan to remain in the city center and not relocate outside of it in pursuit of greater room, regardless of the choice they select.
We will remain in the city because we understand how important the site is to Newcastle United and its supporters, according to one source.
“There has been much speculation about the future of St James’ Park in the media,” a Newcastle Council official stated.
“The club and the council have not held official discussions, but our door is still open, just like it would be for any developer. We are willing to listen and offer advice when the club requests a meeting with us.
Although the club may propose to establish a new park space as part of a much bigger makeover of this portion of the city center, any plan to build in Leazes Park and its surrounding region is certain to face criticism.
There is room to grow behind Leazes End, however even if they remain at their current St. James’ Park location, obtaining permission to construct here could be required.
It is unknown what kind of planning approval the council would be ready to issue until they are consulted, which means that the process might be further delayed until those discussions take place.
Newcastle United has emphasized that all alternatives are still open and that a final decision has not yet been taken.
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has unveiled a concept that is expected to yield the highest financial return in terms of match-day income and serve as a multipurpose venue suitable for other major events. It will be liked by most of the stockholders.
In addition, the team promised to contact supporters before to submitting a final proposal to the municipal council.
The “once-in-a-generation” project’s next phase is anticipated to be revealed early in the following year; however, it may involve a public consultation during which the two possible plans will be presented to the council and supporters.
READ MORE ON:https://sportip.co.uk/