Newcastle planning complete rebuild of St James' Park - Report

Newcastle United are reportedly looking at a complete rebuild of St James’ Park, rather than just expanding the iconic ground, as part of a major redevelopment project of the local area.

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards reveals that, if Newcastle were to choose to stay at St James' Park, the stadium would undergo a complete reconstruction.

Edwards writes "Rather than add extra seats, the idea would be to completely reconstruct their home, not merely rebuild, expand and modernise the Gallowgate End and East Stand."

"That is why the estimated cost for the scheme could be as high as £1 billion. A capacity of around 65,000 to 70,000 is thought to be possible."

Edwards likens the potential redeveloped stadium to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has become one of the premier event venues in the UK outside of hosting Spurs' matches. Edwards notes that this would be a very appealing option to the PIF.

There are still of course issues regarding the ongoing lease of the land from Newcastle City Council, as well as the presence of listed buildings and potential disruption to the surrounding area which may hamper plans.

"It is thought that should Newcastle elect to stay at St James’ Park, which will need the council to grant an extension of the leasehold, which only has 70 years left to run, the stadium could possibly be moved away from the Grade A-listed buildings behind the East Stand to create more room."

"That would require the knocking down of a multi-story car park in the corner behind the Milburn Stand and Leazes End. It would also require the realignment and reconstruction of Barrack Road, a busy thoroughfare through the heart of the city, leading to the centre."

One discussed site for development is Leazes Park: part of a protected conservation area, any plans to build on the green space, whether they be for the 'new' St James' Park or for a new multi-purpose venue, would have to go to the Council before gaining planning permission.

"Until the council are consulted, it is not known what sort of planning permission they would be willing to grant and means the process could be further delayed when those talks take place."

In what will be massively assuring to many fans, Newcastle will still play in the city centre area, rather than relocate outside the city, and that fans will be consulted before a final proposal is sent to the City Council.

With no set timeline or dates for proposals or consultations, the next expected update is due to come in 2025, though this may just be a public consultation on plans that the club intend to relay to both the Council and supporters.