‘Real cauldron’ – New details emerge of Wrexham’s stunning new stadium plans
Wrexham’s work on the redevelopment of their new stadium is gaining progress as the club plan to turn their stadium into a ‘real cauldron’. The League One side are set to submit revised plans for their new Kop Stand in early February. Wrexham plan to turn the Racecourse Ground into a ‘real cauldron’Getty Images - Getty Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are eyeing a new look Kop StandGetty It is hoped that the work will be completed in time for the new stand to open in the summer of 2026. Images of the planned redevelopment are expected to be available for supporters once the plans are submitted. Meanwhile, architects Populous are already looking ahead to the atmosphere the renovation could create. Global director and senior principal Declan Sharkey told The Athletic: “I genuinely believe this design would only work in Wrexham. It wouldn’t work anywhere else in the world. This is truly of Wrexham. “One quote really resonated with me throughout this design process. It was something Rob (McElhenney) said, which was basically how ‘everything we do will have to represent the ethos of the town’. “By that, he talked about hardworking, humble, friendly, inspirational, beautiful. “That quote really started to drive our design. What you see, when looking at the materiality, will immediately speak of Wrexham.” The Racecourse Ground was first opened in 1807, with Wrexham moving in after their formation in 1864. Meanwhile, the stadium’s current capacity stands at 13,341 supporters for football matches. Those fans and locals have been consulted in the design process for the new Kop Stand. Plans for the new Kop Stand are set to be revealed next monthPA:Press Association Wrexham are third in League One following back-to-back promotionsGetty Sharkey added: “We spoke to a lot of the locals. Everyone from the local commentator to the local pub owner right through to the tea lady. “The one quote we heard over and over again is how Wrexham was built on brick and steel. That thinking goes into the materiality. “We also got out into the city (on a matchday). Early as well, to look for where people arrive and when. Where they go for a drink, where they get food, what excites them about the experience. “Anything we deliver has to be familiar. For example, what works in Fulham or Tottenham will not work in Wrexham.” As for the atmosphere the new stand could bring to the Racecourse Ground, he said: “When looking at the Kop stand, the plan was to create a real cauldron. “We explored acoustic design, our in-house team going into a lot of detail to ensure that the noise will be like no other. Work on the Racecourse Ground is planned to be completed by 2026Getty Images - Getty “As a League One stadium, which it is at the moment, the atmosphere is incredible. But what the new stand will do is lift that up a couple of notches again.” The Red Dragons’ meteoric rise has seen them return to League One for the first time in two decades following back-to-back promotions. Tuesday’s defeat to Stevenage leaves Phil Parkinson’s side third in the table after 28 matches. Wrexham currently sit six points adrift of second placed Wycombe and the automatic promotion spots.
Wrexham’s work on the redevelopment of their new stadium is gaining progress as the club plan to turn their stadium into a ‘real cauldron’.
The League One side are set to submit revised plans for their new Kop Stand in early February.
It is hoped that the work will be completed in time for the new stand to open in the summer of 2026.
Images of the planned redevelopment are expected to be available for supporters once the plans are submitted.
Meanwhile, architects Populous are already looking ahead to the atmosphere the renovation could create.
Global director and senior principal Declan Sharkey told The Athletic: “I genuinely believe this design would only work in Wrexham. It wouldn’t work anywhere else in the world. This is truly of Wrexham.
“One quote really resonated with me throughout this design process. It was something Rob (McElhenney) said, which was basically how ‘everything we do will have to represent the ethos of the town’.
“By that, he talked about hardworking, humble, friendly, inspirational, beautiful.
“That quote really started to drive our design. What you see, when looking at the materiality, will immediately speak of Wrexham.”
The Racecourse Ground was first opened in 1807, with Wrexham moving in after their formation in 1864.
Meanwhile, the stadium’s current capacity stands at 13,341 supporters for football matches.
Those fans and locals have been consulted in the design process for the new Kop Stand.
Sharkey added: “We spoke to a lot of the locals. Everyone from the local commentator to the local pub owner right through to the tea lady.
“The one quote we heard over and over again is how Wrexham was built on brick and steel. That thinking goes into the materiality.
“We also got out into the city (on a matchday). Early as well, to look for where people arrive and when. Where they go for a drink, where they get food, what excites them about the experience.
“Anything we deliver has to be familiar. For example, what works in Fulham or Tottenham will not work in Wrexham.”
As for the atmosphere the new stand could bring to the Racecourse Ground, he said: “When looking at the Kop stand, the plan was to create a real cauldron.
“We explored acoustic design, our in-house team going into a lot of detail to ensure that the noise will be like no other.
“As a League One stadium, which it is at the moment, the atmosphere is incredible. But what the new stand will do is lift that up a couple of notches again.”
The Red Dragons’ meteoric rise has seen them return to League One for the first time in two decades following back-to-back promotions.
Tuesday’s defeat to Stevenage leaves Phil Parkinson’s side third in the table after 28 matches.
Wrexham currently sit six points adrift of second placed Wycombe and the automatic promotion spots.
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