Wrexham AFC Prepare To Submit Updated Designs For The New Kop Stand
Wrexham AFC are set to submit revised designs for new 5,500-capacity stand to the local council to allow the progression to the next stage of it ambitious plans for the development of the STōK Cae Ras.
This progress follows the issuing of a new brief and subsequent appointment of Populous, as its architect, to create a masterplan to future-proof the stadium.
The club will submit revised designs for the new 5,500 capacity Kop Stand to Wrexham County Borough Council at the beginning of February 2025. The objective remains for the Kop Stand to be completed in time for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final tournament that is being hosted in Wales in the summer of 2026.
The new Kop Stand, together with other works being planned at the STōK Cae Ras, will make the stadium fully compliant with UEFA Category 4 Stadium standards allowing it to serve as a venue for other international events.
In the period since their appointment, Populous have spent time in the city of Wrexham and surrounding local community, gaining valuable first-hand insights from Wrexham fans and local residents into the importance of the club and what a new Kop Stand design should feature in terms of iconography, building materials, and look and feel even down to the ‘materiality’ – the choice and use of building materials – to truly reflect the character and history of the city, the surrounding area and, most importantly, its people.
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.”
Declan Sharkey, Global Director and Senior Principal at Populous, 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.”
Image: Wrexham AFC / Populous