Wrexham AFC secure Planning Committee Approval for Kop development

A meeting of Wrexham County Borough Council’s planning committee earlier this week granted approval of the Club’s application to construct a new 5,500 capacity stand at the Racecourse Ground.

The conditions attached to the approval have been delegated to officers to agree with the Club and demolition of the existing, derelict Kop will commence as soon as practically possible.

The application for funding from the Levelling Up Fund is expected to be determined on November 30, 2022. Wrexham AFC are making a significant financial contribution towards the cost of the new Kop, after already purchasing the freehold of the Racecourse Ground.

Co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds said:

With planning committee approval now secured, we can move forward with the Kop Development, starting with the demolition of the existing structure.

The derelict state of the Kop, has long been an eyesore and we hope that by the start of the 2024/25 season, it will be brought back into use, with another 5,500 fans able to watch games live, as well as providing a superb backdrop for those watching on TV.

We would like to thank the planning committee for the positive decision they have made and all those who have been involved with our application.

Project team

The team tasked with delivering the Kop development includes AFL Architects, Gardiner & Theobald, Savills Retail & Leisure and Ramboll.

As the world’s oldest international football stadium, The Kop is currently the oldest part of the stadium and the only non-seated area of the Racecourse. Although currently not in use until development work begins, it did once house up to 9,500 home supporters and was known to be the most vocal part of the ground.

The first phase of the plans is currently underway and sets the stage for Wrexham AFC’s new ambitions. New LED boards, sourced from Wembley Stadium, have been installed around the pitch and made their debut in the club’s match against Bromley FC.

The next stages will build from an initial audit and review project carried out by the practice. The AFL team will be identifying opportunities to improve spectator experience throughout the concourses and maximise the value of recent major changes at the club.

Source & imagery, courtesy: Wrexham AFC / AFL Architects

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