Newcastle United are reportedly considering a move from their historic St James’ Park to a new 65,000-seat mega-stadium at Leazes Park. The club’s Saudi owners have long expressed interest in revamping the Magpies’ traditional home ground, but potential expansion plans have proven challenging, prompting them to explore other options.
According to Mail Online, blueprints for a state-of-the-art stadium located a stone’s throw away from the existing site have been drawn up, with the proposed venue set to be constructed on Leazes Park without encroaching on St James’ Park. It is understood that Newcastle will present their ambitious plans to the government, hoping to secure approval for the lucrative development.
Further discussions with local authorities are expected before the Saudi Public Investment Fund gives its final nod. Once the project gets the go-ahead, the decision regarding the plans will be shared with the fans.
Club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who is fully supportive of the project, and the rest of the Saudi ownership were shown the plans during a board meeting at Matfen Hall last month.
Chief Operating Officer Brad Miller and Chief Executive Darren Eales have suggested that a brand-new stadium would be the most viable option as Newcastle strive to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Newcastle United’s ambitious plans for a state-of-the-art stadium are in the preliminary stages, yet they’ve already left some club executives utterly astonished with the proposed designs. The futuristic arena is set to feature a bubble-wrap-like facade reminiscent of Bayern Munich’s iconic Allianz Arena and will boast a parkland entrance akin to the famous Wembley Way.
The innovative concepts have been attributed to London-based architects KSS and the Tyneside firm Ryder, who are said to have provided early visualisations. The new venue promises to surpass St James’ Park with an additional 13,000 seats.
While an expansion of the current ground was considered, it would only have reached a maximum capacity of 60,300. Consequently, club officials are investigating a more profitable alternative.
In January, manager Eddie Howe weighed in on the prospect of a new stadium, stating: “I don’t know how the rules are going to change or if they are going to evolve through time, and I don’t know how the club will continue to adapt to the rules.
“Our income is key and talk of new stadiums and all those things that will benefit us in our pursuit of bringing more income. They will be really important for us as a football club. That’s for another day. My focus as always on the next game.”
