Newcastle United owners PIF are yet to confirm any plans for a potential new stadium for the club, but a petition has been launched to block any move to Leazes Park.
While St James’ Park has been the home of Newcastle United for 133 years, there have been widespread reports suggesting owners PIF are looking to move.
The Newcastle United owners have not yet communicated any decision to supporters but that has not stopped various rumours and updates from emerging.
Newcastle’s new stadium could be on Leazes Park, which sits just outside their current home.
It is the city’s oldest park and the rumoured plans to build a stadium there have attracted criticism.
Petition launched to block potential new Newcastle United stadium
Newcastle’s new stadium could cost £1.2bn, although it must be stressed that there is yet to have been any confirmation on the potential move.
The rumoured plans, however, have been met with opposition.
According to BBC News, over 28,000 people have opposed the suggested plans.
Save Newcastle Wildlife campaigner Rachel Locke said: “There are more than 1,000 trees in the park, as well as shrubs and hedgerows, which provide food and shelter for insects and other wildlife including bats, birds and hedgehogs.”
Locke called on the council to hold a public referendum, though that was refused. The local authority said a referendum could not be held on plans that have not yet been submitted.
Ms Locke is also quoted as saying it would be “scandalous” to build on the city’s oldest public park for the sake of a “Saudi super stadium”.
What Eddie Howe has said about Newcastle United moving stadium
Eddie Howe has already delivered his verdict on potential plans to move stadium.
Speaking in October 2024, the Newcastle United manager admitted it would feel like a “betrayal” if the club were to move ground.
He did, however, admit that the club need to increase their revenue somehow.
“My natural instinct was always to stay at St James’ Park,” he said.
“It’s an incredible place to play football, it’s our home, so to think about moving somewhere else feels a little bit of a betrayal to somewhere that’s served us so well.
“But we are well aware that as a football club, we need to increase our revenue, so people with more brain cells will make the decision for the benefit of the long-term future of the football club, and that’s always the most important thing.”
Newcastle are expected to confirm news on their stadium plans in June, though an official update is yet to emerge.
It is a huge decision for PIF to make. Whatever conclusion they come to, it is likely to shape the future of the club while splitting opinion amongst the fanbase and beyond.
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