Wrexham unveil revised 'unique design' Kop stand

An image of what the new Kop Stand, which Wrexham say has been designed to create a new home end of their fans, would look like

Wrexham have released images of revised plans for a new Kop stand at their Stok Racecourse home.

Revised designs for the new 5,500-capacity Kop Stand have been presented to Wrexham County Borough Council.

The new stand's design would give the club the option to increase capacity at a later date, subject to a separate planning application.

Player and officials' facilities would be incorporated in the new Kop stand as well as provision for safe standing, hospitality and accessible seating.

The new Kop stand will have a capacity of 5,500 with the design allowing an increase in capacity in the future.

Wrexham say the stand's proposed external brick facade design pays homage to the city's 'Terracottapolis' nickname, while the brick colour and textures are reminiscent of the historic Ruabon red brick from the local area and will look on to a public plaza.

Wrexham chief executive Michael Williamson said the unveiling of the new stand plans marked a "special moment in the history" of the club's stadium.

"The distinctive design of the new Kop Stand embodies the history and heritage of Wrexham - rooted in the local community creating a timeless, authentic piece of civic architecture that complements other landmarks," he said.

"It will provide an iconic landmark standing at the gateway to the city giving it a true sense of place.

"The stand reflects the key role the football club can play in the rejuvenation and redevelopment of the city through its role in the Wrexham Gateway Project."

The new stand, along with other works planned at the stadium, will make Wrexham's ground fully compliant with Uefa category 4 stadium standards, allowing it to host the Uefa European Under-19 Championship finals tournament in 2026 and other international events.

Work on the new stand was originally due to begin in 2023 but was delayed because of what the club called "additional complications".

Wrexham, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, appointed architects leading sports and entertainment Populous to "create a masterplan" for their stadium.

The original standing Kop terrace was abandoned in 2007 and was unused until its demolition in January 2023.

Wrexham, in conjunction with the local council, had planning permission granted in November 2022 for a 5,500-seater replacement.

In January 2023, an application for UK government Levelling Up Fund money was rejected and delays to the Kop redevelopment were announced the following September, when Wrexham said funding for the project had not yet been finalised.

Reynolds and McElhenney gave the green light to the building of a temporary stand last season, which the club said would remain in place until the new development starts.

Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council, Councillor Mark Pritchard, said the new Kop development was a "key element of the wider Wrexham Gateway project."