Saudi owners identify two sites to build Newcastle's ‘Wembley of the North'

Saudi owners identify two sites to build Newcastle's ‘Wembley of the North' - Report

by Olly Hawkins · Published 1 March 2024, 12:36

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards has released an in-depth piece on Newcastle United's bid to expand St James' Park, discussing potential options being explored if the club reluctantly built a brand new stadium elsewhere.

It's believed Newcastle's 'overwhelming preference' is to remain at St James', but Grade One listed buildings behind the East Stand and the Metro tunnel and station behind the Gallowgate End have are creating big obstacles from a planning and architectural perspective.

It's left Newcastle with a big decision to make and it's believed the club's Saudi owners are considering building an entirely new stadium on two possible sites, allowing the club to boost revenues and bring in far more fans each week now the demand for tickets has outgrown the supply.

The first option is thought to be the current Metro Radio Arena on the banks of the Tyne and the second is Leazes Park, allowing us to rebuild a bigger and better version of the current stadium on a different site.

It's thought the PIF are keen to build a multipurpose venue that can hold England internationals, high-profile concerts and NFL matches that would 'significantly boost revenue streams' to ease our PSR constraints. Newcastle's ambition is to develop a “Wembley of the North”, much like Man Utd's Ineos owners.

If the current feasibility study shows that St James' Pack could reach a capacity of 60-70,000, the club will remain at the current site and look to deal with the complications that would bring, but The Telegraph stress that his won't be easy.

A huge decision awaits. So many memories and sentimental value is attached to St James' - it would feel wrong to be playing elsewhere - but there's thousands of fans missing out every week and huge financial gains to be made if expanding the current stadium is not possible.