Newcastle United have announced plans to increase the capacity
of St James' Park to more than 60,000 as part of a planned
£300million development scheme.
Under the Number 1 St James Park project, which is yet to be
submitted to planning chiefs, a three-phase programme would see a
major conference centre, hotels and luxury apartments built at the
ground.
Funding for the development would come from outside the club.
Chairman Freddy Shepherd told official club website www.nufc.co.uk:
What we are proposing is something not just for the football club,
but for the whole city and the people of Newcastle.
Having a conference centre would allow Newcastle to attract top
events in all fields, and the whole project will stand as a
monument to the vibrant development of the city in the new
millennium.
The announcement comes three days after the clubs latest interim
figures revealed an operating loss after player trading and
amortisation of £6.9million.
In addition, a 1-0 home defeat by Manchester City on Saturday left
the Magpies in 11th place in the Premiership.
However, while Shepherd is determined to get things right on the
pitch, he is equally keen to keep pace with the clubs competitors
off it.
The new development could bring 1,500 jobs to the city and complete
the regeneration of St James and the adjacent area.
Capacity at the stadium was expanded from 36,000 to 52,000 in a
scheme which began in 1999, but the new initiative is more
wide-ranging.
Under phase one, a 140-bedroom hotel complex would be built on the
site of the former Magpies Supporters Club with a second hotel
also in the blueprint.
Phase two will involve superior apartments behind the Leazes End
of the stadium.
Development within St James, which would take the capacity to at
least 60,000, would take place at the Gallowgate End.
The land above the St James Metro Stadium has been earmarked for a
casino in a joint-venture with MGM Grand, although the future of
that development rests with the Government.
But a purpose-built conference centre would complete the scheme and
establish St James as a major venue.