Wrexham AFC releases first images and fly-through of proposed Kop development

Wrexham AFC has released the first images along with a computer-generated fly-through of the exciting designs for the proposed Kop development.

In presenting these images, co-chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds said:

Back in February 2021, when we first became custodians of the Club, it was identified that reverting the Racecourse Ground to a four-sided stadium was a priority for us.

The desire to achieve this objective has only been multiplied by the fact that the sold-out signs were a regular feature at the Racecourse Ground, and we want the Club to be accessible to everyone, so the increased capacity is key to achieving this.

We would encourage everyone to support the planning application when it is submitted and would like to thank Wrexham Council, Welsh Government and Wrexham Glyndwr University (together the Gateway Partnership) who are fully committed to making the new Kop a reality.

Finally, a big thank you to our design team, AFL Architects, Gardiner & Theobald, Ramboll, Savills and Royal Pilgrim.

The new 5,500 capacity stand will include a hospitality lounge, office and retail space for the Club, along with facilities for the Wrexham AFC Community Trust to enhance their work further.

Enhancing the experience 

Of the capacity, 5,000 will be allocated for General Admission to meet the loyal demand of supporters and will be in the form of a seat with a rail immediately in front. This will allow the Club to meet the all-seater criteria of UEFA’s Category 4 status, while allowing supporters to stand for Wrexham fixtures. An example of the seating will be installed in the car park at the Racecourse Ground for supporters to view during the next four weeks.

The balance of 500 seats will be of a corporate style with direct access from the hospitality lounge. Accessible seating will be available at elevated positions throughout the stand, improving accessibility and providing unparalleled views for fans with restricted mobility.

The 2022 edition of ALSD International is being hosted at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this September 19-20, with the main focus of optimising revenue through New Builds, Renovations & Service Expansions, with Architecture & Design, Fan Experience, Hospitality & Interiors, Premium Seating, Rebuilding & Recovery, Sales & Service, Sustainability and Technology some of the key pillars.

The external elevations have been designed to recognise Wrexham’s link with the coal mining industry, a theme that will be continued in the public realm areas around the Kop.

The matchday concourse area will become an exhibition space for events on non-matchdays, to address the current gap in the local market and generate more economic activity and profile to benefit the Town.

Statutory consultation period

A statutory consultation period of one month will commence on July 1, 2022, and comments will be collated on the Club’s behalf at www.online-consultations.co.uk/wrexhamkopstand

During this consultation period, the Club intends to meet with as many organisations as possible who have an interest in the development including local resident organisations, local councillors, the Club’s Disabled Supporters Association, Level Playing Field, and the Club’s Safety Advisory Group.

Following the statutory consultation process, the intention is to submit a planning application to Wrexham County Borough Council for permission to deliver the new Kop Stand.

Funding for the Kop will come from both the Public and Private sectors, with the Club making a significant contribution towards the overall cost.

The Public sector funding, that is being sought from the Levelling Up Fund Bid, will ensure the Racecourse Ground becomes The Stadium for the North, meeting the requirements of hosting international sporting events that are far beyond what the Club needs to compete in domestic competitions.

Information on supporting the independent ‘Stadium for the North’ campaign can be found here.

New floodlighting

Earlier this month, Wrexham AFC submitted a planning application to replace the existing floodlights at the Racecourse Ground was submitted to Wrexham Council.

The current floodlight towers are not able to support a lighting scheme to provide the required lux levels, to meet the ambition of the Racecourse Ground becoming a stadium that regularly hosts international sporting events.

The new floodlights will need to be installed while the current towers remain both in place and in use, to ensure that football can be played during the construction period. There is insufficient time to complete the installation during the close season, particularly with the Kop Development anticipated to be underway this time next year.

The new floodlight scheme will be capable of delivering a consistent 1500 lux to meet UEFA’s category 4 stadium requirements but can be programmed to deliver a lux level of 350, the requirement of the National League and any level between.

The columns are 40m in height with a forward cantilever of 20 degrees from 20m and are taller than the existing floodlight towers by 8m.

Source & imagery, courtesy: Wrexham AFC

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