New images have revealed what an “exhilarating” fan zone outside St James’ Park could look like.
Newcastle United announced plans this summer to build a new fan park next to the stadium – in partnership popular leisure venue Stack and the club’s new shirt sponsors, Saudi events company Sela.
The collection of bars and street food stalls is earmarked for the disused car park area next to St James’ Metro station, part of the parcel of land in Strawberry Place that was controversially sold by ex-Magpies owner Mike Ashley before being bought back by NUFC’s new owners.
Supporters were given a first glimpse of the venue, known as “St. James’ Stack, powered by Sela”, at a special consultation event at the stadium on Monday afternoon.
Like the former Stack site in Pilgrim Street and its sister venue in Seaburn, the fan zone would be made up of a series of shipping containers arranged over two floors, around a large seating area and stage in the centre.
Plans lodged with Newcastle City Council in July show food and drink vendors surrounding the central plaza, with a VIP area upstairs, while the development also features two big screens.
Fans have long hoped that the land in Strawberry Place could be used as part of a future expansion of the football stadium, something that proved a source of major controversy when it was previously sold off by Mr Ashley.
Developers had planned to build new apartment blocks, offices and a hotel on the prime plot, before NUFC’s new Saudi-backed ownership reclaimed the site in February.
The club has asked for a temporary planning permission for the Stack development, lasting three years – which their planning application says would “allow the applicant to establish the Newcastle United Fan Zone and support the future aspirations of the club”.
The fan park would not be limited to matchdays, with plans to have it open seven days a week, and the club hopes that it could be open by the end of this year.
Proposals submitted to the council state that it will be used to stage events including music gigs, comedy shows, community, health and fitness activities, and children’s entertainment.
A statement sent by NUFC to the council argues that the fan zone will be “an interactive and immersive destination for everyone, with an exhilarating, vibrant environment for the benefit of sports fans, concert goers, residents and visitors of all ages”.
It adds: “It will redefine the traditional matchday experience for those travelling to the adjacent stadium, enabling visitors from around the world to enjoy a diverse line-up of food and beverages from the region’s best independent traders, right in the heart of the city centre.
“The fan zone will utilise state-of-the-art audio-visual technology for an unparalleled atmosphere, whether guests are experiencing live sporting occasions on strategically placed big screens, or enjoying live acts as part of a carefully curated weekly programming schedule.
“Open seven days a week, the fan zone will also be far more than just a matchday attraction. It will offer a wide range of entertainment and events that appeal to families and visitors even when there isn’t a sporting event taking place – including live music performances, quiz nights and special guest appearances.
“As well as transforming the site through innovative design, the fan zone will also contribute to the vibrancy and economic growth of the surrounding area. It will create 150 jobs with the support of Newcastle United Foundation, new opportunities for local vendors and suppliers, and it will attract additional footfall to neighbouring businesses. The project team welcomes the opportunity to closely collaborate with its neighbours and relevant stakeholders, helping to ensure this distinctive and transformative fan zone is delivered effectively and efficiently for all.”
