Newcastle United make official St James' Park announcement as fresh images reveal upgrade

Newcastle United have confirmed the construction of the new St James' Park fan zone is underway.

In February last year, the Magpies re-purchased Strawberry Place - the land situated behind the Gallowgate End - four years after it was sold by Mike Ashley for £9milllion. Plans to build a fan zone - known as St James' STACK - were announced and approved by the local authorities in September.

Images last week suggested the building work had begun. That has now been confirmed in a statement released by United on Monday. The venue is set to open in time for the summer.

"Building work on the highly anticipated 'St. James' STACK, presented by Sela' has kicked off, with the fanzone outside St. James' Park set to open this summer," the statement read.

"Plans were revealed in 2023 for the entertainment venue which will create a leisure and social destination seven days a week as well as enhancing matchday experiences for both home and away fans.

"Work on transforming the land on Strawberry Place has begun with construction company,  The Abbey Group, laying the foundations for the site, before the shipping containers which are synonymous with the STACK brand, will be installed in coming months. 

"Built using repurposed shipping containers around a central plaza and main stage area, 'St. James' STACK, presented by Sela' will attract people of all ages, with carefully curated events and attractions designed for families at key dates throughout the year, whilst matchdays will provide supporters with a number of food and drink options and entertainment."

Newcastle CEO Darren Eales added: "The excitement and reaction from our supporters since plans were unveiled for the fanzone has been extremely positive. STACK has a renowned reputation in the North East and having their expertise added to our matchday experience for fans is a great addition to the club and the city.

"Not only will the venue enhance matchdays, but there will be a whole host of exciting events throughout the year, with the venue offering the best of North Eastern hospitality to the public seven days a week. It is great to be working alongside STACK for something that will be great for our fans and the general public."