‘Big development’ - Newcastle United told to leave St James’ Park - two visions put forward
Former Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness believes Newcastle United should “redo” St James’ Park on its current site rather than relocating elsewhere.
Stadium talk has dominated the news agenda on Tyneside in recent weeks. Brad Miller, appointed the club’s Chief Operating Officer over the summer, confirmed last week that the Magpies are considering all options over St James’ Park’s future.
He promised a “once-in-a-lifetime” investment - a comment many took as a precursor to a new venue. An ultimate decision has been pencilled in for early 2025 following further consultations with supporters, architects and local authorities.
Speaking to Football Insider, ex-Everton chief Wyness backed Newcastle to stay where they are and upgrade St James’ Park. He said: “There are two visions as I understand it. One is to redo St. James’ Park but also make that into a big multi-use development right where the existing site is.
“But that would be extremely expensive to undertake that, but no doubt it would be a huge showpiece. The other route would be slightly less expensive and that would be to build a new stadium elsewhere.
“If there is funding for the first option, I’d be all behind it. St James’ Park is a great piece of football history on a global basis. If this was to become a real showpiece for Newcastle and they’re able to find the funds to develop it, and there are some very clever people with the Reuben brothers behind this, then I think that would be the right option.
“They’ve also announced a new director who has come on board and is considered to be one of the top, top real estate experts in Newcastle. I would hope that he could find a way with the council to deliver option one.
“It’s a lot of money. It would take some time to pay back, but for the city itself that would be an incredible piece of work to be done.”