Wrexham AFC prepare to submit updated designs for the Kop Stand

Wrexham AFC’s review is now suitably advanced to allow the progression to the next stage of the  ambitious plans for the development of the STōK Cae Ras. This progress follows the issuing of a new  brief and subsequent appointment of Populous, as its Architect to create a masterplan to future-proof  the stadium. 

The Club will submit revised designs for the new 5,500 capacity Kop Stand to Wrexham County Borough Council at the beginning of February 2025. The objective remains for the Kop Stand to be  completed in time for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final tournament that is being  hosted in Wales in the summer of 2026.  

The new Kop Stand, together with other works being planned at the STōK Cae Ras, will make the Stadium fully compliant with UEFA Category 4 Stadium standards allowing it to serve as a venue for other international events. 

In the period since their appointment, Populous have spent time in the city of Wrexham and surrounding local community, gaining valuable first-hand insights from Wrexham fans and local residents into the importance of the Club and what a new Kop Stand design should feature in terms of iconography, building materials, and look and feel even down to the ‘materiality’ – the choice and use of building materials – to truly reflect the character and history of the city, the surrounding area  and, most importantly, its people. 

Wrexham AFC CEO, Michael Williamson, said:

“The submission of the revised designs for the new Kop  Stand is a major milestone for this hugely important project and an intense period of activity will follow  in the coming months to complete the new Stand for summer 2026.  

“Whilst the revised design utilises the original footprint and volume of the earlier approved design,  we have strived over these past few months with our partners and design team to masterplan the  STōK Cae Ras with the Kop Stand as the first phase. We want to create a stadium which is authentic,  organic and in keeping with Wrexham. The design will therefore emphasise materials that reflect the  strong heritage and character of Wrexham.  

“By incorporating authentic materials, that are locally sourced wherever possible, we will create a  sense of place that resonates with the city’s history and identity, ensuring the building is rooted in its  environment, both visually and culturally.” 

The interviews carried out by Populous have been translated into an exterior design that the Club  believes will strike a chord with both the fans and local community. It is steeped in the fabric and history of the local area while bringing an updated, dynamic, fresh look to the STōK Cae Ras. When finished, it will deliver a great space with modern facilities for fans to enjoy the matchday experience and for the local community to use on non-matchdays. 

Declan Sharkey, Global Director and Senior Principal at Populous, said:

“We are privileged to be  working on the design of the new Kop Stand at the STōK Cae Ras. Our aim is to create a design that is unique to Wrexham, amplifying the atmosphere created by the club’s passionate fans and making  them proud to call it home. We envisage a stand that will be a monument for the club and the city, representing the tradition and community that lie at its heart.” 

The new Kop Stand will hopefully act as the catalyst for the wider plans to develop the area as part of the Wrexham Gateway project together with Wrexham County Borough Council, the Welsh Government, Wrexham University, Transport for Wales and the Football Association of Wales. 

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Wrexham AFC have assembled a design team of global external consultants and contractors to work with Populous (Architects), including Gardiner & Theobald (Project Management and Cost  Management), Savills (Planning Consultants) and Buro Happold (Engineers). 

About Wrexham AFC  

Wrexham Association Football Club is based in Wrexham, North Wales, and plays in EFL League One, the third tier of the English Football League pyramid. Formed in 1864, they are the oldest club in Wales and the third oldest professional team in the world. Wrexham has won the Welsh Cup a record 23 times and beaten some of  the biggest clubs in the game in the English FA Cup and UEFA European Cup Winners Cup. The STōK Cae Ras, home to Wrexham AFC, is the world’s oldest international stadium that still continues to host international  games.  

Wrexham AFC is owned by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. The goal of the new owners is to grow the  team and establish Wrexham AFC as a Premier League club in front of increased attendances, and in an  improved stadium, while making a positive difference to the wider community in Wrexham. This goal is being  pursued through four guiding principles: i) to protect the heritage of Wrexham AFC; ii) to reinforce the values of the community; iii) to use Rob and Ryan’s resources to grow the exposure of the club at home and abroad; and iv) to create a winning culture.

For more information, please visit wrexhamafc.co.uk

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