Wrexham FC Racecourse stadium £10m revamp push by Glyndwr University

The Centenary Club is to become a student bar on non-match days

Wrexham FC's stadium owners are recruiting a development director to push forward plans for a £10m overhaul.

Glyndwr University says the role is vital to secure funds to create a "top-class international stadium" and includes redeveloping the Kop terraces.

The university, which took over at the Racecourse last August, says the stadium's Centenary Club is to be revamped.

It is to become a student bar as well as a fans' pre and most match venue.

Lynda Powell, university director of campus management and commercial services, said: "Over the last 20 years there has been a noticeable shift in the dynamics of sport stadia development, with the realisation that stadia have capacity to do much more than just hosting sporting events.

"It also reflects our commitment to our students' experience of studying with us and the role the Racecourse can play in that.

"We are very keen to preserve a matchday bar, with the facilities and atmosphere fans would expect."

University management have still to announce the successful candidate in the role of stadium development director. It was open to individuals or consultants with interviews held last week.

Play-offs

The job involves attracting the investment needed to develop the stadium, including the redevelopment of the closed 4,900-capacity Kop terrace, which the university says will be in the region of £10m.

Plans could eventually involve retail developments to make the ground a destination other than on match days.

"The candidate we are looking for will need to have experience of working with key sporting bodies, of managing major projects and of identifying funding," said Ms Powell.

"This is an exciting time for the Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium and we want to capitalise on the momentum we currently have to secure the long-term future."

In March, Wrexham FC owners Wrexham Supporters' Trust signed a 15-year licence with the university to continue playing at the stadium.

The North Wales Crusaders also play their rugby league home fixtures at the stadium.

The Centenary Club refurbishment is due to be completed by the beginning of the new academic year in September.

"We hope of course that by then Wrexham FC will be back in the Football League and that fans will enjoy using the bar on match days," she said.

Meanwhile, Wrexham must overcome a 2-0 first leg deficit after <link> <caption>defeat to Luton </caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17881846" platform="highweb"/> </link> in the Blue Square Bet Premier play-off semi-final on Thursday night.

The home leg will be played at the Racecourse on Monday.