Wrexham to submit plans for new Kop Stand

Wrexham AFC are set to advance their plans for a new Kop Stand at the STōK Cae Ras stadium, with updated designs scheduled for submission to Wrexham County Borough Council in February.

The club to complete the project ahead of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, which will take place in Wales during the summer of 2026.

The new stand, which will boast a capacity of 5,500, is part of a broader initiative to ensure the stadium meets UEFA Category 4 standards, thus allowing it to host a range of international events.

In addition, the Kop Stand development is expected to facilitate the larger Wrexham Gateway project, which involves collaboration with various stakeholders including Wrexham County Borough Council, the Welsh Government and Wrexham University.

In early 2023, Wrexham County Borough Council agreed to reallocate a “substantial amount” of a £25M Welsh government grant to the plan.

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.”

Populous global director and senior principal Declan Sharkey 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.”