The Premier League is arguably the best footballing division in the world. As a result, English football is incredibly well-backed financially, with owners required to spend millions every season just to keep their team competitive.
Money doesn't just go into huge transfer fees and jaw-dropping salary packages, though. No, to be the very best these days, a club must invest in all areas. This has meant many teams have upgraded or even built new stadiums in recent memory.
The likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, and most recently Everton have cast aside historic grounds to move into shiny new venues over the past few seasons. While Liverpool are among those to boost their capacity with a smart expansion.
Manchester United are set to spend billions as they finally plan to upgrade on Old Trafford, while Leeds United are planning to redevelop Elland Road. Another iconic Premier League stadium could change in the near future too.
Plans to Upgrade St James’ Park Revealed
St. James Park (Newcastle United)
According to reports in The Telegraph, Newcastle United are looking to complete a major regeneration project as part of plans to build a new £1billion stadium in the city. Interestingly enough, they may even move away from St James’ Park, although that hasn't quite been decided yet.
It's explained that club officials believe that they can propel the Magpies to the next level by upgrading their current venue. Revenue certainly would be boosted as a possible new stadium capacity could be as high as 68,000 if moved to Leazes Park – a spot located directly next to St James’ Park.
It's added that, while no official confirmation has been given regarding the plans, Newcastle chiefs are closing in on a final decision over the potential stadium upgrade. A call could be made, however, by the end of 2026, as the Magpies contemplate whether to rebuild their current home or move into a new ground nearby.
Financing is also a consideration, although one would expect that money should be no issue for the Public Investment Fund, with the club's Saudi owners the richest in all of football.
The report goes on to add that sources have described the regeneration as “bold and exciting” amid the planning process. That said, in a recent interview, the club’s chief executive, David Hopkinson, said they “haven’t decided” on what to do exactly with the new stadium.
Newcastle Stadium Change Could Exceed £1billion With Government Funding Wanted
General view of St James' Park
General view of St James' Park
A final design is yet to be drawn up, but it is expected that construction will take around three years. The cost of a new ground won't be cheap, though, and could exceed £1billion.
It appears as though, despite their wealthy owners, Newcastle will look to the government to help fund the project, with conversations already held about securing public money. As part of their pitch, it's felt that the infrastructure project would modernise the city centre.
Indeed, the Magpies have pledged to contribute a large chunk of the financing needed for a wider city regeneration. There is optimism that public money will also be put forward to boost the plans.
Biggest Football Stadiums in England (*subject to renovation plans)
Rank
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
*If renovations are completed as touted **Newcastle United's current stadium size
As things stand, St James' Park is the eighth biggest stadium in England. It would be overtaken by Elland Road if Leeds United's home gets the expansion that has been touted by its owners.
However, Newcastle can then jump up to third on the list, and the second biggest in the Premier League, if they do indeed complete these proposed new renovations. Only Wembley and Old Trafford would hold a greater capacity in England, while the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (73,931) would also sit ahead of Newcastle, with all UK football stadiums taken into account.