Newcastle Confidential can today exclusively reveal the first image of the club’s ambitious plans for a new super-stadium in the city.
The drawing, one of two obtained by Daily Mail Sport, was produced by KSS, the architects leading the project, and shows a cross-section of a new stadium. The bowl-like design has two tiers and hints at a bubble-wrap facade, like Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.
A second working drawing was so detailed that we have agreed not to use it, for the blueprint revealed the exact layout from an aerial vantage and could compromise a future development.
Sources have stressed that both architectural images have been updated, and that plans have since evolved significantly. That, however, is a strong indicator of the club’s preference being a new-build.
Following the Matfen Hall summit in front of PIF last month, it is understood chief executive David Hopkinson and chief operating officer Brad Miller were sent away with clear instructions from the Saudi owners to return with specific information on both a new build and a St James’ Park renovation. PIF did not make a definite decision on which option to pursue, but a new stadium is said to appeal to both the executive team and the ownership.
The drawings, and the subsequent improvement and development of them, show the extensive and detailed work that is going into exploring the new-build option. Leazes Park remains the most likely site were that to happen, with a capacity of at least 65,000. That was the number thought to be attached to the drawings we have. The birds-eye view shows surrounding parkland and there is a hospitality entrance and designated hospitality area within the stadium on the halfway line.
Revealed: The club’s first image of the ambitious plans for a new super stadium in Newcastle
Leazes Park has been earmarked as the preferred site for the new-build stadium
The project – new-build or renovation – has moved beyond the exploration stage and, while supporters and some inside the club were hoping for a clear direction of travel post Matfen Hall, work is intensifying to provide ownership with the specific details they need to make the call that will shape the future of the club.
Meanwhile, the announcement of a new £200million training ground at Woolsington is expected in the near future.
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