We are three weeks in to 2025 and supporters remain on tenterhooks regarding St James’ Park’s future. Newcastle United fans could be just days or weeks away from learning the fate of their home since 1892.
The stadium plans remain a contentious issue, with a definitive decision not expected until early next year. Speaking at the Sela STACK last year, 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.
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1. Expanding the Gallowgate Stand
This would involve building over the road and into Strawberry Place. | Bondibot
2. Removing the roof
The concept design involves removing the Gallowgate Stand roof and starting the expansion across the road to allow traffic to continue passing through. | Bondibot
3. One stand expansion
The East Stand, listed buildings and Leazes Conservation area would remain undisturbed by this expansion. | Bondibot
4. A significant expansion
The Gallowgate expansion concept would raise the stand to the same level as the Milburn and Leazes stands. | Bondibot