Unanimous nod for Wrexham AFC’s new Kop
Increased in ambition from a proposal approved in 2022, the 5,500-capacity stand has been designed by Populous, the current darling of venue architecture.
The Monday 3 March meeting of Wrexham Council’s planning committee voted unanimously to grant approval for the project, the first permanent new stand development at the STōK Cae Ras ground since the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds takeover.
Populous’ recent roster of projects includes the new Wembley, the £1.2bn Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Manchester City’s stadium expansion, along with the 2024-opened Co-op Live gig venue.
Currently, the Kop end of the ground houses a 3,200-capacity temporary stand, a significant investment as the club struggles to accommodate fans attracted by two promotions and another promising campaign this time around.
Credit: Populous
As reported by Place when the plans were unveiled last month, the stand will be visible from the city centre. It will feature safe standing provision and a roof “optimised to amplify sound from the spectators towards the pitch”, in the club’s words.
In addition, the external brick façade is a nod to Wrexham’s “Terracottapolis” nickname and the Ruabon red brick that comes from the area. A public plaza will be created at the rear of the stand.
Club chief executive Michael Williamson said: “It was a pleasure to speak in front of the planning committee today and share the club’s excitement and ambition to deliver an atmospheric and authentic new Kop Stand for our fans.
“We look forward now to turning this vision into reality and writing a new chapter in the rich history of our proud club and stadium.”
The previous terrace at the Kop end had lain barriered off and derelict since 2010, and was demolished in the wake of the November 2022 approval for a stand designed by AFL.
