Newcastle United are looking to build the largest possible stadium they can on land adjacent to St James’ Park which could push the capacity close to 70,000.
Although a capacity of 65,000 has been discussed internally, with some leading figures believing this is the sweet spot in terms of size for a new ground, as it will ensure it is filled for every game, the club are still looking at ways to build an even larger stadium on the land available to them.
The 65,000 figure was part of an internal presentation last month but that did not include a final design and senior figures are now keen to pursue a larger alternative. The fact more than 300,000 people took to the streets to celebrate Newcastle’s Carabao Cup final victory last weekend, combined with the high demand for tickets this season, has strengthened the belief they need to add even more seats.
Sources have indicated that one of the reasons a design has not been settled on is that there are various different options available and the desire now is to build as big a bigger stadium as they can rather than stick to a rigid 65,000 limit.
Telegraph Sport understands that although the new ground will have an overlapping footprint it will not incorporate any of the site currently occupied by St James’ Park.
An initial idea had been to build some of the stadium where the Leazes End stands, but that appears to have been shelved so that there is no reduction in the capacity of St James’ Park while the new stadium is built. That would also enable Newcastle to remain a host city for the European Championship in 2028 and Eddie Howe’s side will be able to continue playing their home games at St James’ Park until the new stadium is finished.
It is thought it will take between six and seven years to finish the project although no final decision has been made which means a start date has not been finalised. The land earmarked for the new stadium includes the multi-story car park next to the Leazes End, as well the area directly behind that stand. This would mean a smaller chuck of Leazes Park is needed than some had feared, which would enable the boating lake to remain intact.
As revealed by Telegraph Sport earlier this year, the club are proposing to replace the greenspace needed for the construction of their new stadium with a new park where the St James’ Park pitch is now This would mean the listed buildings behind the East Stand open up on to the new park area, which would also provide a boulevard to walk into the new stadium. That should make it more palatable to local residents as well as Newcastle City Council.
It is also understood the new stadium will also bring wider benefits with a redevelopment of the surrounding area, including the land owned by the club on Strawberry Place that is currently occupied by the Stack fanzone.
It should be stressed, that although a new stadium is the preferred option internally, a back up plan to expand and modernise St James’ Park remains on the table.
Newcastle are conscious of the fact they will still have to get planning permission and that there will be some opposition to building on a protected greenspace in the heart of the city. As a result, they are still considering the expansion of St James’ Park.
The club are determined to ensure they are able to deliver their proposal before they make a final decision which is why they have not released any plans to the public.
Newcastle are not yet in a position to apply for planning permission for the new stadium and are aware their plan could face legal challenges.
It is thought the next two months will be key in terms of making a final decision with various designs being considered that deliver the largest possible stadium, while using the smallest amount of Leazes Park.
