Newcastle United's decision on whether to rebuild St James' Park or move to a new stadium is central to a sweeping new vision for Tyneside, which includes plans for new homes, transport links, and billions of pounds of investment in the heart of Newcastle and Gateshead.
A new draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF), due to be considered by local councils and the North East mayor over the coming weeks, sets out the masterplan for Tyneside's urban core over the next 25 years. It gives no preference to either a new or redeveloped home for the football club, but sets a clear ambition for the quarter around the stadium to become a “nationally significant destination for sport, culture, innovation, education and urban living” anchored by the club.
Plans for a world-class stadium and 1,000 new homes
The framework lists the development potential for a “world class sports stadium”, with around 1,000 new homes nearby and a series of other improvements. That would include the completion of the final stages of the Helix development and a transformation of St James' Boulevard into a “green and connected urban spine” linking Central Station, the Forth Yards, Newcastle College, the football club, and Leazes Park.
A sport-led revival of this quarter is envisaged as having the potential “not only to transform the stadium and surrounding area, but to expand and strengthen the Urban Core's commercial core, creating the critical mass required for a more competitive Central Business District” – including more grade A office space, hotels, and conference facilities.
Leaders urge fan and resident involvement
Kim McGuinness, the North East mayor, said: “Newcastle United has a proud history at St James’ Park and it’s a very special place. Clearly if Newcastle build a new world-class stadium, this would greatly boost major urban regeneration in the area – creating more jobs and new homes. A new stadium or major re-development would be transformative for the city.
“While there’s no further detail as yet from the club on the future of the stadium, when they can share their plans, I want to see them talking to fans and residents. As a fan myself, I know the stadium is where we’ve all felt the emotional ups and downs that football brings, so it’s right that people are at the heart of plans for any new stadium or re-development.”
Colin Ferguson, leader of Newcastle City Council, added: “Like many fans across Newcastle, we are eagerly awaiting the decision from the football club as to the future of St James’ Park. It is for them to make a decision around a new stadium or a re-development of the existing stadium.
“This framework builds upon the vision in our Council Plan to make Newcastle the UK’s most successful regional capital. It makes clear that a world-class stadium in the heart of our city could be a key part of our city’s success. Whatever the club’s decision on the stadium, if it is backed by fans and residents, we will work with them to ensure it unlocks wider regeneration, jobs, homes, investment and improved green space, delivering lasting benefits for Newcastle and the wider North East.”
