Newcastle United are reportedly facing a costs of up to £1billion if the club opts in favour of redeveloping St James’ Park.
Chief executive Darren Eales revealed in November 2023 that the club were starting to look seriously at expanding the 52,305-seat stadium in the heart of the city.
The Premier League side said it had drafted in a ‘world-leading agency’ to aid their preparations.
The club later distributed an eyebrow-raising survey to fans as to whether they wanted to stay and expand the iconic ground or if they were comfortable with moving to a new footprint.
Architects have drawn up detailed plans for an expansion of St James’ Park, according to The Telegraph.
Newcastle are reportedly facing costs of up to £1billion if they are to expand St James’ Park
The club have been keen to expand their 52,000-seater stadium since their 2021 takeover
The plan would reportedly see the East Stand and Gallowgate End expanded, taking the capacity to over 60,000, while the Milburn Stand and Leazes End could be modernise.
The report states that the plans could cost between £800m to £1billion.
One of the stumbling blocks faced by the Newcastle hierarchy is St James’ Park’s position in the city, where the stadium is surrounded by listed buildings.
Alternative plans to build a new stadium adjacent to Leazes Park or elsewhere in the city are said to still be under consideration, with the club insisting no decision has been taken.
The cost of a new stadium build in the city would range from £2bn-£3bn, the report claims.
Newcastle’s chief operating officer Brad Miller had given an update on the stadium project in August.
Miller had stressed the club are yet to reach a decision, but acknowledged a ‘really big cheque’ would likely be required when plans were finalised.
‘When we get on with it, it is going to be a really big cheque that’s going to be written,’ Miller said.
The club have insisted no decision has yet been reached over their stadium plans
‘They want to make sure that we are doing it correctly and that it’s doing the right things, whether that be supporting the football, doing the right thing by the fans.
‘Have we got the ability to uplift the capacity? Is it going to actually make a return so we can continue to invest in the club?’.
The club have been keen to expand their 52,300 seater stadium ever since the takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund back in 2021.
Mail Sport revealed in February that the Magpies had bought the land directly behind St James’ Park with a view to further expansion around the stadium.
The land had previously been sold by prior owner Mike Ashley to private developers Helios Real Estate and Marrico for £9million four years ago and recently been in the hands of Reditum Capital
St James’ Park was last expanded back in 2000 when it had previously held an attendance of around 36,000.