The 2,000-capacity St James’ Stack opened last summer and serves as a busy leisure destination and NUFC fanzone on matchdays.
Plans for the venue, made of 56 shipping containers, were approved in 2023, granted it a three-year stay on an old car park on Strawberry Place, but that has now been extended for a further five years.
It comes as it continues to see snaking queues to enter ahead of matches and on busy weekend evenings, and just last week welcomed 35,000 Sam Fender fans ahead of the local lad’s three gigs at St James’ Park itself.
Brad Miller, Chief Operating Officer at Newcastle United, said: “The St. James’ Stack has been a fantastic addition to the city and we’re delighted to receive an additional five years of planning permission.
“As a dedicated fanzone, it has become a huge attraction for people attending matches and events at the stadium.
“But it’s so much more than that. It has been incredibly popular with families, it has increased trade throughout the week, and it has created vital employment opportunities.
“It also provides an important revenue stream for the football club that will continue to fuel our growth on and off the pitch.
“I’d like to thank the team at Stack and our city partners for their support and collaboration. We’re excited to continue our work together.”
Stack CEO Neill Winch said the decision to extend planning permission is not only “hugely welcome,” but also “a testament to the venue’s role in enhancing the matchday and event experience at St. James’ Park.
“This location was always envisioned as a true fanzone – a place where supporters could come together before and after games to soak up the atmosphere,” he said.
“But what’s been incredible is how it’s also become a central hub for major events at the stadium, from cup celebrations to concert weekends like Sam Fender.
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“Being right on the doorstep of St. James’ Park means we’re perfectly placed to support everything happening there – and the response from fans and visitors has been phenomenal.”
St James’ Stack now employs 175 people and is home to eight small businesses, and has hosted more than 1,4000 performances on its stage since opening last year.
It is open daily from 10am until midnight.