Wrexham have made significant progress in their bid to expand the Racecourse Ground, but there have been a number of challenges and delays along the way
Wrexham have made significant progress in their bid to expand the Racecourse Ground, but there have been a number of challenges and delays along the way Wrexham have made significant progress in their bid to expand the Racecourse Ground, but there have been a number of challenges and delays along the way
Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have big plans for the club’s stadium. The Red Dragons have seen a significant boost since the Hollywood duo took over in February 2021.
The global spotlight brought by the takeover, along with the popularity of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, means home games at the Racecourse Ground are often sold out. As such, the redevelopment of the stadium is high on the agenda for Reynolds and McElhenney.
There has been substantial progress in increasing the ground’s capacity in recent years, but there have also been hurdles and delays. Here, The Mirror gives an update on the current state of the plans, including capacity, costs, and main issues.
What’s the backstory to the stadium plans?
A new 5,500-capacity stand at the Kop end of the stadium has been proposed since before the new owners arrived. The original stand was closed in 2008 due to safety concerns, leaving Wrexham with a three-sided ground and a significant obstacle to accommodating more fans.
The plan to replace it was first announced in 2019 as part of the Wrexham Gateway project to revamp the Mold Road corridor into the city. The plans gained momentum once Reynolds and McElhenney took over, with the first design images of the new stand shared in June 2022.
Wrexham Council gave the green light for planning permission in November of the same year, and the dilapidated structure was knocked down in January 2023.
What were the main hurdles?
The plans hit a significant roadblock in the same month as the demolition when the UK Government rejected a request for up to £20 million to fund the scheme for the second time, sparking concerns it might completely derail the project.
However, the council later revealed it would redirect over £17 million of Welsh Government funds to back the proposals. The club is also expected to make a substantial financial contribution towards the development.
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Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
With the finances in place, new floodlights were installed in summer 2023, with work on the stand expected to commence shortly. The aim was to have the new Kop ready for the start of the 2024/25 season, with an estimated construction period of 12 months.
However, the summer came to a close with no further progress, and in September 2023, Wrexham announced that the project had been put on hold due to several factors. Key issues included complying with Uefa standards, rerouting a sewer, and removing an electricity cable from the site.
Additionally, a lease held by the previous owners, the Wrexham Supporters’ Trust, needed to be surrendered.
What has happened since then and what’s the latest update?
In December 2023, Wrexham AFC made a strategic move by installing a temporary stand at the Kop end of the Racecourse Ground, increasing the capacity to accommodate 2,309 fans. Fast forward to June, and the club has hinted at rethinking their plans for a permanent stand, aiming to “deliver the best possible fan experience”.
The temporary structure’s capacity has since been bumped up to house roughly 3,000 supporters.
The club’s ambitions don’t stop there; they’ve enlisted Populous, the architectural wizards behind Tottenham Hotspur’s impressive stadium, to conjure up an ambitious masterplan for their home ground. This new stand isn’t just about more seats—it’s set to feature safe standing areas, VIP sections, and accessible seating options for everyone.
An exciting tidbit was revealed: the stand is scheduled to be ready by summer 2026, coinciding perfectly with the UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals that Wrexham will host.
What’s on the horizon for the historic Racecourse Ground?
Once the Kop’s makeover is complete, the stadium’s capacity is expected to leap from a snug 13,000 to a more spacious 15,000 seats.
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Image:
Wrexham AFC)
Hollywood star and club co-owner Ryan McElhenney isn’t shy about his lofty aspirations—he’s aiming for a staggering 55,000-seat capacity. However, insiders suggest a more grounded estimate post-expansion would be in the region of 36,000 to 38,000 seats, as the club plans to upgrade incrementally.
What’s the official word from the club?
Michael Williamson, the Chief Executive, expressed the club’s commitment: “We are determined to ensure the new Kop stand and the future vision of the STōK Cae Ras satisfies the needs and expectations of our fans and the local community, and the appointment of Populous as architect for the redesign reflects that.”
“We appreciate the efforts of those who have worked on this project to date, allowing us to now focus our attention on the activation of areas within the new stand while remaining consistent with the capacity and volume that was previously presented.”
“We look forward to engaging with fans and the local community as plans and designs for the stand take shape, along with other stakeholders and strategic partners, including Wrexham County Borough Council, our Wrexham Gateway partners, Wrexham University, the Welsh Government, and the FA of Wales. This is an exciting time for the club, our supporters, and the city as we continue our upward momentum.”
Mirror – Sport
