WREXHAM have appointed new architects as they plan to expand their stadium.
Plans to rebuild The Kop have been in the works for years, with a temporary structure installed last December.
The new stand could host 5,500 more fans after receiving approval from the council.
A temporary stand is currently in place with a capacity of 3,000.
Work on the new stand was delayed as a drain beneath the site was moved and legal matters had to be resolved, but architects Populous have now been appointed to oversee the project.
The group, who worked on Wembley, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Las Vegas Sphere, have been tasked with “creating a masterplan” for the Racecourse stadium.
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That will include a Kop rebuild which could include upgraded hospitality sections, accessible seating and a provision for safe standing which will make it fully compliant with Uefa category four stadium requirements.
Wrexham are hopeful the work will be completed in time for the Uefa European Under-19 Championships in 2026.
North Wales is set to host the Under-19 Euros across five venues in 2026, including Bangor, Denbigh, Colwyn Bay, Connah’s Quay and the Racecourse.
Wrexham’s executive director Humphrey Ker previously estimated the building process could take 11 months – so the work will likely have to begin before next summer.
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While chief executive Michael Williamson said: “We are determined to ensure the new Kop stand and the future vision of the SToK Cae Ras satisfies the needs and expectations of our fans and the local community, and the appointment of Populous as architect for the redesign reflects that.
“We appreciate the efforts of those who have worked on this project to date, allowing us to now focus our attention on the activation of areas within the new stand, while remaining consistent with the capacity and volume that was previously presented.”
The original Kop was abandoned in 2007 and owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have previously expressed their frustrations at the delay to the rebuild.
However the delay has given them time to reconsider plans and they will consider ways to build the stand that makes it capable of being developed further.
McElhenney has spoken of his ambition to increase the capacity of the Racecourse to 55,000.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
