Newcastle Central and West MP Chi Onwurah has told Newcastle United her stance on the debate surrounding St. James’ Park.

An official decision on whether the club will expand the current ground or move to a new site is expected imminently after club chiefs held talks over stadium plans in March, with an announcement originally promised to be revealed to fans in early 2025.

There have been rumours that we may look to build, at the very least partly, on the grounds of Leazes Park in order to boost our capacity with PIF wanting a new stadium  – but Onwurah is not so sure that is the correct decision for the area.

Newcastle MP on potential stadium plans

Labour MP for Newcastle Central and West, Chi Onwurah believes Newcastle should remain at St. James’ Park or at least close by should we move, citing the unique location and economic reasons for her conclusion.

Her message all in all seems to be that if a new stadium is built, it would have to remain within the city, meaning the proposed work on the site of Leazes Park would work. 

It’s a debate that has been ongoing for years, but I think most agree with Onwurah that the stadium should remain in the heart of the city. It’s good for trade, especially the pubs that surround it, and its visibility on the approach into Newcastle is iconic.

“For me, it’s (the stadium debate) really important. I’m the MP for Newcastle Central and West now. Having St James’ Park in the centre of my constituency is something I’m very proud of.

“I’m a big fan of St James’ Park. Having it on the hill dominating the centre of the city is absolutely unique among Premier League clubs. It makes the whole city part of every match. Having St James’ Park in the centre of our city is very important to many fans and it’s important to me.

“The club has to make the right decisions for the club but it needs to be done in consultation with the fans and we’ve got to be also aware of the economic impact on Newcastle.

“It does make a big difference to the economy in terms of people coming into the city. What I’m trying to say is that we don’t want a stadium in the middle of nowhere that everyone has to drive to.”

Club leaning towards Leazes?

If it is decided that Newcastle will build a new stadium as PIF desire, then Leazes Park feels the likely choice as far as the club is concerned.

PIF launched ‘Project 2030’ at Newcastle earlier and outlined four key pillars they will be working on in their five-year plan, one of which is to construct a new stadium with an ambitious deadline of 2030.

Work would have to get underway fairly promptly if they are to meet that goal, with the added benefit of working away from the site of St. James’ Park being that Eddie Howe and the lads could continue to play there while work goes underway nearby.

A capacity of 68,000 is believed to be the target for the new stadium, though that number may have increased after 250,000 attended the open top bus parade for the Carabao Cup, with Leazes Park offering plenty of space to build on should we secure planning permission.