November is upon us yet 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.
Debates have 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 argument can create a compelling case.
Fresh pressures have arose in recent months, 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. David Hopkinson - appointed as Newcastle’s CEO earlier this month - dropped a big hint on St James’ Park’s direction.
"Each team I worked for was the most important thing in that community,” he told supporters. “And the arena or stadium is situated in the centre of the city. I haven't worked for one where it was in a suburb, 15 miles from downtown.
“That is really important. Where ScotiaBank Arena is in Toronto, or where the Bernabeu is in Madrid, right on Castellana. Where Madison Square Garden is, the absolute heart of Manhattan. Where St James' Park is in Newcastle. Location matters.
"What’s clear to me is how much the pride people in Newcastle have for their community is expressed as love for Newcastle United. That's awesome. That's energising. That's exciting. That's what matters. Not every team in every community can claim that."
The Daily Mail reported a controversial fresh update last month, claiming PIF will not fully finance any proposal. It is suggested that any rebuild would be half-funded by the owners, with the rest leveraged against the club as a loan.
While not the same as the Glazers’ controversial takeover of Manchester United, the nature of the plans draws parallels. Newcastle would be plunged into enormous debt overnight - a possible hindrance in the transfer market.
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