Newcastle ‘to build new 65,000-capacity stadium and include key feature that is unique to Wembley’

NEWCASTLE are reportedly set to leave St James’ Park and build a new 65,000-seater capacity stadium.

Chiefs explored the option of expanding their current 52,000-seater home, which is located in the city centre.

But the Mail claims they have now decided to move to a new location at nearby Leazes Park, with capacity set to be boosted by 13,000 seats.

Newcastle have been playing at St James’ for the last 133 years.

And they will continue to call it home while the new stadium is being built.

It’s claimed Toon chiefs will now present the UK government with plans for the Leazes arena, just days after Manchester United announced plans to build a new 100,000-seater stadium.

But they are not expected to meet any resistance, with the ambitious project set to create hundreds of jobs while pouring money into the local economy.

Newcastle’s new stadium will apparently boast a “parkland-style approach”, making it similar to Wembley Stadium’s Wembley Way.

It is also set to have a stylish “bubble-wrap” design, similar to the one used at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.

But it remains unclear how much the ambitious project will cost at this stage, with early predictions putting it at around £3billion.

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Newcastle had explored staying at St James’ Park and expanding it to over 60,000 seats.

Yet building a brand new stadium was deemed the best way to maximise takings and income for new transfers.

A decision will soon be announced to Toon fans, who could have mixed feelings.

However, a contrary report in the Telegraph claims Newcastle chiefs have NOT yet made a decision over a new stadium.

It’s said they are still unsure whether to stay at St James’ or move elsewhere.

While the actual figure of the new capacity has also not been decided.

Newcastle have been at St James’ Park since 1892 and it remains one of the most iconic in English football.

Newcastle will be hoping a brand new stadium can inspire the club to become permanent mainstays in the Champions League.

Toon played in Europe’s top competition last season but failed to qualify for the current campaign.

Five places are set to be awarded to English teams this term, with Newcastle currently sixth but level on points with fifth-place Man City.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk