PIF are closing in on a decision around the future of St James’ Park.
The takeover in 2021 sparked conversation about stadium plans and potential expansion, and now Newcastle United are getting close to a final decision.
Two options are on the table for PIF – either to expand and renovate St James’ Park or to write a huge cheque for a new stadium to be built elsewhere.
Expanding St James’ Park will cost up to £1bn and is expected to be focused on the redevelopment of the Gallowgate End and the East Stand.
If that option is chosen, Newcastle could grow capacity to 65,000 with PIF wanting to build the biggest single-tier stand in the UK.
Alternatively, a new stadium is estimated to cost up to £3bn and would likely be located somewhere nearby such as Leazes Park.
A general view of St James Park, home of Newcastle United, ahead of the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. ...
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
PIF stance on St James’ Park future
Before making a decision on whether to stay or move, PIF held crunch talks with the fan board to gauge the opinion of supporters.
Newcastle fans have been torn over the stadium with some preferring to stay put at St James’ Park while others are leaning towards a new state-of-the-art venue being built.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
According to The Telegraph, more than 70 per cent of supporters surveyed by the club said their preference was to remain at St James’ Park.
Additionally, Newcastle City Council are keen for the club to remain at St James’ Park and are pushing for a redevelopment of the surrounding area.
Back in April it was reported that Newcastle owners would prefer to stay at St James’ Park, and that still appears to be the case.
The same report as above claims that Newcastle chiefs are doing “everything in their power” to remain on their current site.
When Newcastle stadium work could begin
A decision around the stadium appears close, and that means Newcastle fans will not have long to wait before they can start to see progress made.
“Concrete” progress could be made in 2025 with PIF seemingly leaning towards the redevelopment of St James’ Park.
READ MORE: Financial expert predicts PIF could hand Newcastle United a £200m PSR boost as 2025 decision looms
The Telegraph report from above claims Newcastle have been in possession of the architectural drawings for several months, meaning much of the framework is already in place.
Related Posts