I WILL NOT PLAY AGAIN:Newcastle United best player announces his sudden departure…

I WILL NOT PLAY AGAIN:Newcastle United best player announces his sudden departure…

A feasibility study involving world-leading architects was commissioned by the Magpies last year to look at ways to expand St James’ Park, which has been the club’s home since its birth in 1892, to at least a 60,000-seater capacity.

 

It is understood the findings of that feasibility study are now in United’s hands and a meeting with the Fan Advisory Board is taking place this week to discuss potential next steps.

Magpies CEO Darren Eales, who will be stepping down from his position in the coming weeks after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer, has publicly said it is the club’s preference to remain on the current site – but building a new stadium hasn’t been ruled out.

 

As per The Telegraph, architectural plans have focused on the expansion and redevelopment of both the East Stand and the Gallowgate End, with the capacity of the stadium rising to more than 60,000 if the work goes ahead. Meanwhile, there is believed to be scope to modernise both the Milburn Stand and the Leazes End.

Any construction work to expand will be subject to the club extending its current leasehold with Newcastle City Council, which expires in around 70 years time. There are, of course, restrictions that have been considered, including the Grade One listed buildings on Leazes Terrace, the stadium’s proximity to the Leazes Conservation Area and major city-centre thoroughfares.

 

The estimated costs is reportedly between £800 million and £1 billion, while a new stadium is an estimated to cost £2 billion-£3 billion. Club source stress that no decision has been made on the next course of action.

Option A involved expanding the Gallowgate End and Gallowgate West Corner to the same level as the Milburn and Leazes Stands.

 

From an untrained eye, that would likely be the most feasible option after the Magpies re-purchased Strawberry Place from developers last year.

 

Option B looks at raising the St James’ Park pitch and moving it north west to allow more space to expand the East Stand and Gallowgate Stand so they are similar height to the Milburn and Leazes Stand.