Last week saw news coming out of Barrack Road surrounding the ‘once in a generation’ ground proposals that PIF, the Reubens, and the Executive Board are currently considering.
From the i paper it is understood that ‘the first phase of the feasibility study will now remain private due to commercial sensibilities’ and the project options have been presented to a fan advisory board as significant steps forward have been made.
Following on from the Telegraph’s claims that a St. James Park redevelopment could cost the club up to a £1billion, there is also an article on the club website regarding the issue. In an interview with COO Brad Miller, which was light on detail but stuffed with effusive ‘need’ to progress due to PSR and ‘investment returns’, we certainly seem to be entering the endgame with regards to the future of the where the club will play its football.
St. James’ Park has been Newcastle United’s home for its entire existence. What was originally a patch of sloping grazing land, only bordered by the Georgian Leazes Terrace, it has become the eighth largest stadium in England (down from third) which multiple generations of fans have strong emotional ties too. You can sense the history around the place: six-times FA Cup winners, Inter-Cities Fairs Cup winners, the Champions League, Shearer and Bobby’s statues, and The Strawberry, in situ since 1859, just across the road.
There is a sense of pride in the cross generational sense that you are watching football in the same place as Joe Harvey, Jackie Milburn and Kevin Keegan did. Add to that the turf has been graced by Paul Gascoigne, Peter Beardsley, Tino Asprilla, and John Anderson amongst hundreds of others and the history is thick, proper and proud.
Redeveloping St. James’ Park would allow all of that history and more, as well as every fans personal history to remain part of the experience, and the journey forward. Throw in the prime city centre location, and if money is truly…
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/10/09/the-1billion-st-james-park-question-to-go-or-not-to-go/
Author : Jonathan Young
Publish date : 2024-10-09 12:59:18
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