Newcastle United supporters continue to debate the issue of the day: what to do with St James’ Park.
The stadium’s future remains a contentious issue, with a definitive decision not expected until early next year. Speaking at the Sela STACK 10 days ago, Brad Miller, Newcastle’s Chief Operating Officer playing a hands-on role in the process, reiterated the club’s stance.
“We want to make sure it is a very robust process,” he said. “So regardless of the outcome, I want to stand up in front of everybody throughout the process and say, ‘This is why it is a logical decision, with long-term competitiveness in mind.’
“Because as you have heard a lot, it is all about revenue and PSR. We have to work hard to make sure we give as much money as possible to Paul (Mitchell) and the football side in order to remain competitive on the field.
“In terms of next steps, we are coming towards the end of the next stage, the briefing stage. There are a lot of risks and opportunities at St James’. We have to take time to dig into those and make sure we’ve got the devil in the details - in terms of the programme, how long it will take and what it will do for us in terms of revenue.”
Fresh concept images produced by 3D animator Damian Bosio via his YouTube channel, Bondibot, may intrigue supporters. Option A involved expanding the Gallowgate End and Gallowgate West Corner to the same level as the Milburn and Leazes Stands.
Option B looked 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. Meanwhile, option C showed a new stadium being built next to the current site on Leazes Park.
Have a browse yourself and let us know how you think.
5. Is this the most likely option for Newcastle?
The club purchasing the land at Strawberry Place makes this option seem the most realistic of the three. | Bondibot
6. Capacity
The expansion would have to add around a further 8,000 to the stadium's capacity in order to exceed 60,000. | Bondibot
7. Expanding the Gallowgate and East Stand
This is an ambitious one. | Bondibot
8. Elevating the field
This ambitious concept would see the St James' Park pitch elevated, losing seating in the Milburn and Leazes stands. | Bondibot