Newcastle United will face a bill of between £800m (€960.2m/$1.06bn) and £1bn should it choose to remain at a redeveloped St. James’ Park, it has been claimed.
The Telegraph reports that detailed architectural plans for the expansion of St. James’ Park have been drawn up and studied by the English Premier League football club. These plans are said to centre on the expansion and redevelopment of both the East Stand and Gallowgate End, with the capacity of the stadium rising to more than 60,000, from its current level of around 52,000.
The Telegraph said the modernisation of both the Milburn Stand and the Leazes End, which were built more than 20 years ago, is also being looked at.
Since Newcastle was bought by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in October 2021, the expansion and improvement of St. James’ Park has been a key priority. However, little progress has been made and Newcastle has repeatedly stressed that any decision between a redevelopment and a new stadium will be discussed with the club’s fan advisory board before it is announced.
The club has also rejected any claims a decision has already been made in private. A club spokesman said: “It would be wrong to say a decision has been made. All options remain on the table.”
Leazes Park, the green space located adjacent to St. James’ Park, is believed to be the site earmarked for any potential new stadium. As has been previously reported, a decision to proceed with the redevelopment of its existing home would require an extension to its freehold, which expires in 70 years.
In December, Newcastle engaged CAA ICON to conduct a feasibility study of St. James’ Park, with the strategic management consulting firm commencing its work by administering and running a fan survey gauging opinion on the club’s future stadium options.
Newcastle has undertaken improvement works at St. James’ Park since its Saudi takeover, with the most recent example being the introduction of the St. James’ Stack fanzone offering ahead of the start of the 2024-25 season.
St. James’ Park is also due to be one of the host venues for UEFA Euro 2028, with this status potentially at risk, depending on the club’s choice of direction for its stadium project.
