As revealed by The Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle United have taken a huge step towards expanding St James’ Park after buying back the Strawberry Place land directly behind the stadium.
The site was sold four years ago, as Mike Ashley agreed a £9m sale with private developers Helios Real Estate and Marrico. However, our new owners have now bought back the land in what feels like a major breakthrough in our ongoing attempts to increase the current 52,300 capacity.
Hope adds that co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi has been leading negotiations to purchase the plot over the past year and finally sealed a deal this week, coming to an agreement that is ‘good for both parties.’
Interestingly, The Mail report that the ‘immediate plan’ is to develop the area behind the Gallowgate End into a fan zone, as the club determined to commit to a development that ensures we remain on the same site.
This could mean that the Strawberry Place land is not required within our expansion plans, but this is brilliant news that gives the club flexibility on how to proceed.
