The major plans for Wrexham AFC’s stadium renovation project are set to be given the green light after could planners recommended approval. The football club is owned by both Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds and actor Rob McElhenney. The management announced plans earlier this year to rebuild the current disused Kop stand into a modern 5,500-capacity stand.
If accepted, the new stand is expected to open for the start of the 2024/25 season. Thus it would increase the capacity of Wrexham AFC’s stadium to 15,500 from the current 10,000. In addition, on non-match days, the ground floor of the building will house a 600-person event/exhibition space.
Wrexham AFC is the world’s third oldest football club, and they play at the Racecourse Ground, the world’s oldest international stadium. The club, however, is unable to host Wales for international games due to the falling state of the current Kop stand.
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Wrexham AFC’s stadium renovation
The current Kop stand has been vacant since 2008 and is deemed a safety hazard.
The proposed development would increase the capacity of the Racecourse Ground by 5,500 rail seats, restoring it to a four-sided stadium. The new stadium would allow the club to comply with Uefa rules, helping international football to return to North Wales.
Recently, planning permission was given for the installation of new floodlights at the ground. Wrexham County Borough Council is set to vote on the proposals but a planning officer’s report recommends approval.
“Wrexham AFC’s stadium renovation would bring a state-of-the-art spectator stand in place of the old stand. It has a better hospitality provision,” the planning report concludes. The development will much improve the facilities available to Wrexham AFC fans. Consequently, it would also enhance the Racecourse ground’s ability to host other football and sporting events. The stadium would also host non-sporting events.
