July is upon us and 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.
This would involve building over the road and into Strawberry Place.
1. Expanding the Gallowgate Stand
This would involve building over the road and into Strawberry Place. | Bondibot
The concept design involves removing the Gallowgate Stand roof and starting the expansion across the road to allow traffic to continue passing through.
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
The East Stand, listed buildings and Leazes Conservation area would remain undisturbed by this expansion.
3. One stand expansion
The East Stand, listed buildings and Leazes Conservation area would remain undisturbed by this expansion. | Bondibot
The Gallowgate expansion concept would raise the stand to the same level as the Milburn and Leazes stands.
4. A significant expansion
The Gallowgate expansion concept would raise the stand to the same level as the Milburn and Leazes stands. | Bondibot