Featured image credit: Gemma Thomas/Wrexham AFC
League One football club Wrexham has appointed Populous as its architect to create a masterplan for its home stadium, with an initial focus to be placed on the redesign of the new 5,500-capacity Kop stand.
The new Kop will include provision for safe standing, hospitality and accessible seating, and will act as a “focal point” for the Racecourse Ground. The stadium is officially known as STōK Cae Ras | STōK Racecourse as part of a sponsorship deal with US-based STōK Cold Brew Coffee.
The new stand will be compliant with UEFA Category Four stadium requirements and will be finished in time for the UEFA European U19 Championship tournament in 2026.
The appointment of Populous comes after Wrexham announced in the summer that it was reassessing its stadium redevelopment plans. Wrexham’s temporary stand has had its capacity increased to around 3,000 seats for this season and will remain in place until work begins on the development of the new Kop.
A 2,289-capacity temporary stand was built midway through last season after it emerged that the new Kop stand would not be open for the start of the 2024-25 season as originally planned.
Wrexham has appointed Populous following a “pause and review” of its plans and a full tender process. The new Kop stand was originally set to take 12 months to complete, with the club having received permission for the project back in November 2022.
Michael Williamson, Wrexham’s chief executive, said: “We are determined to ensure the new Kop stand and the future vision of the STōK Cae Ras satisfies the needs and expectations of our fans and the local community, and the appointment of Populous as architect for the redesign reflects that.
“We appreciate the efforts of those who have worked on this project to date, allowing us to now focus our attention on the activation of areas within the new stand, while remaining consistent with the capacity and volume that was previously presented.”
Declan Sharkey, global director and senior principal at Populous, added: “We’re extremely proud to be appointed to work on the new Kop stand and to explore the potential for a wider vision and masterplan for the future STōK Cae Ras.
“Our aim is to create a home for Wrexham’s passionate fans and the community that pays tribute to the heritage and traditions of the club and the city itself. The Kop stand will be the epicentre of the atmosphere at the ground on matchday, while incorporating enhanced facilities that can be used every day throughout the year.”
Wrexham has been owned by Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds since February 2021. The club has achieved back-to-back promotions from the National League and is currently second in League One.
Expansion of the stadium has been a key priority for McElhenney and Reynolds. A year after the pair bought Wrexham, the club reached a heads of terms agreement to purchase the freehold of the Racecourse Ground.
Wrexham has previously worked with AFL Architects on its stadium redevelopment plans.
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