Newcastle United's official stance on expanding St James' Park after competing major £25m deal
Newcastle United have purchased a large portion of Leazes Terrace, hinting at a St James’ Park expansion.
Newcastle United have played down suggestions that they are leaning towards a St James’ Park expansion after purchasing a significant portion of the historic Leazes Terrace.
The Grade I listed structure is adjacent to St James’ Park and its western elevation is directly opposite the East Stand, restricting the ability to expand the stand’s capacity, which has not been redeveloped since 1972.
The Magpies have bought the terrace’s northern, southern and western elevations, including all areas facing the stadium for a figure in the region of £20million to £25m, according to The Athletic. It also includes most of its eastern elevation, with a small block of private residences remaining in this part of the building.
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Newcastle United play down St James’ Park expansion decision
The news has rather inevitably led to the assumption that Newcastle chiefs are planning to expand St James’ Park as opposed to building a new stadium, however club sources have told The Gazette that all options remain on the table.
“This strategic purchase is part of the club's long-term planning as it continues to assess all credible and feasible options for the future of its home stadium,” a club statement read.
“It provides Newcastle United with greater flexibility and ensures any future decisions support the club's ambitions, as well as its responsibilities to the local community and the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.
“The club recognises the building’s historic and architectural significance and is committed to its preservation.”
Newcastle United exploring all options
Although a final decision on the stadium is still to be made, the latest news at the very least suggests that conversations are gathering pace and that the groundwork is being laid.
Asked about stadium plans in December, Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson said: “I don’t know. We’re not going to lie to you. What’s clear, and I am telling you clearly, is to win consistently and be at the top consistently, you have to grow your revenues and that means you need world-class facilities.
“St James’ Park, in December 2025, is incredible and I think there are still big opportunities. Whether that is that renovated or reimagined or a new stadium, we have not made that decision.
“We’re working on it every day. What is so interesting though, I know there is a lot of pressure of ‘when, when, when’. Well, I don’t know when that will be. It’s not today and I don't think it’ll be next week either but it doesn’t mean we’re not working on it.
“The complexity around finances, project planning, this is unbelievably complex project that will be the most ambitious this club has taken on. Grand announcements? We’re not ready for that. To be ahead of ourselves before the formalisation of the plan is actually counter-productive.”