We are halfway through August yet Newcastle United supporters are still in the dark about St James’ Park’s future. That is despite being promised an update in “early 2025” by Brad Miller, the club’s Chief Operating Officer.
Debate has raged across Tyneside in recent years as Newcastle consider whether to revamp the current ground - an icon of North East football - or propel themselves into the 21st century with a state-of-the-art venue. Those on either side of the debate can create a compelling case.
Fresh pressures have arose in recent weeks, with Save Newcastle Wildlife petitioning against a new stadium being built on Leazes Park. Newcastle City Council were keen to stress that no final decision has been made.
Every Toon fan appears to be having their say on social media about what the ultimate decision should be. Amid the drama, stadium concept designer and 3D animator Damian Bosio produced several breathtaking suggestions to solve the conundrum via his YouTube channel, Bondibot.
The first option sees the Gallowgate End increased to the same height as the Milburn and Leazes stands. Secondly, Bosio proposes moving the pitch altogether, allowing for further wiggle room in the Gallowgate and East Stand.
The final design shows how a new stadium could be built that encroaches into Leazes Park - a possible nightmare for local preservation groups. Check out all three propositions below.
9. Moving the pitch
The pitch would be moved north west into the Milburn Stand and Leazes Stand. | Bondibot
10. More space
This allows more space fo the Gallowgate Stand and East Stand. | Bondibot
11. A significant rebuild
This ambitious concept would require almost an entire rebuild of the East Stand and Gallowgate Stand. | Bondibot
12. A new Level 7
A new 'level 7' would be added to the Gallowgate Stand and East Stand and bring the pre-existing level 7 closer to the raised pitch. | Bondibot