Newcastle United fans are set to learn the future of St James’ Park within a few weeks.
As soon as the PIF takeover was completed at Newcastle United, talks began over what could be done with St James’ Park in the future.
Under the current Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules – and the new squad cost ratio rules being introduced next season – Newcastle are under pressure to increase their revenue. Expanding St James’ Park or building a new stadium would provide a major boost to matchday income.
After a two-year feasibility study concluded, two options emerged. The first option on the table is St James’ Park expanding to 65,000 capacity. However, expanding St James’ Park will cost up to £1bn.
The second option was to build an entirely new stadium located on another site such as Leazes Park. A new stadium is estimated to cost up to £3bn but could increase capacity to as much as 70,000.
Newcastle fans are open to a new stadium but others still have concerns about leaving the current location. A third extreme option has now become a possibility.
PIF could demolish St James’ Park
Back in April, reports suggested Newcastle owners wanted to stay at St James’ Park. However, the potential earnings from a new stadium is seen as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Newcastle chiefs are doing “everything in their power” to stay on the current site and they are now discussing a radical option that could bring the best of both plans together.
As reported by iNews, a third option available to PIF to completely knock down St James’ Park and rebuild on the footprint.
The report claims that demolishing the current ground has been “proposed in certain quarters” of the football club. Fans face an anxious wait to hear what PIF and club chiefs have decided to do.
Demolishing St James’ Park would be a highly controversial move given the history of the venue, but it would allow Newcastle to build a new state-of-the-art stadium on the same popular location.
Where will Newcastle play during stadium construction?
If Newcastle do plan to demolish St James’ Park – or even simply expand it – the club will need somewhere to play their football while construction is ongoing.
Despite some reports suggesting it as a possibility, Newcastle will not ground share with Sunderland. Sunderland executives have confirmed that is not something the club would entertain. Frankly, it would have been a nightmare for everyone involved.
READ MORE: When Newcastle United fans can expect a decision on new stadium proposal as date emerges
The Magpies will have to look elsewhere and there are still three stadiums Newcastle could ground share at following Sunderland’s decision, including another Championship venue.
Construction on St James’ Park could begin in 2025, but the length of the project will obviously depend on what PIF choose to do in the coming weeks.
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