'Important to stress' - Newcastle United insider clarifies blockbuster St James' Park expansion survey

A Newcastle United insider has reminded supporters that questions and ideas in a survey shared on Monday are all 'about hypotheticals' as fans react to what the future of St James' Park may look like.

The Magpies owners have been outspoken about their desire to expand the cathedral on the hill with co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi wanting to raise capacity from the current 52,000 to 'at least 60,000'. However, there are major complications for Newcastle United given the stadium's city centre location, the proximity of the Leazes Conservation Area, access to the Royal Victoria Infirmary and more - which were detailed to NewcastleWorld by local architecture firm Sadler Brown.

Earlier this year, the club bought back the Strawberry Place land sold by Mike Ashley in a major coup and have already shared plans to turn the land into a fan zone in the short term. Now, the club has opened their longer-term thinking to fan involvement.

Newcastle United sent out a 'specially commissioned survey' to supporters on Monday. A statement on the club website read: "Newcastle United supporters are being asked to provide feedback as part of a specially commissioned survey that could help to shape the club's future stadium facilities. Newcastle United have appointed CAA ICON to administer and run the fan survey as part of a broader feasibility study at St. James' Park before making recommendations for the future.

"The survey will ask a number of hypothetical questions which are not indicative of any specific development aims at this stage, but are designed to ensure comprehensive feedback is captured from a range of supporters. The club thanks supporters in advance for taking the time to complete this survey and providing input into any recommendations that may be made."

Fans are able to fill in the form anonymously and share their own thoughts and reactions to a wide range of suggestions and possibilities. Towards the end of the survey are questions focused on hypotheticals of moving from St James' Park to a brand-new 'modern state-of-the-art' stadium with a higher capacity.

The idea of moving away from St James' Park, which has been home to Newcastle United since 1892 has proved a divisive topic. The inclusion of that idea among others prompted some high-tension reactions online and now club Head of Communications Lee Marshall has shared a message of reassurance with fans.

Taking to X, Marshall said: "Lots of feedback on the stadium survey, which is really the point. Important to stress it is about hypotheticals. If you do or don’t like aspects, please reflect it in your responses. It’s about asking and understanding, then striking the right balances as we grow together."