Wrexham appoints a new architect to redesign the Kop stand, with completion scheduled for 2026

Wrexham have hired a new architect to redesign the 5,500-seat Kop Stand, which was originally due to open later this season.

Populous, the architecture firm that has worked on venues including Wembley, the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Princeity Stadium, will now start work on changes aimed at opening a new stand for the European Under-19 Championships in 2026.

“We are determined to ensure that the new Kop stand and the future vision for SToK Cae Ras meet the needs and expectations of our fans and the local community, as reflected in the appointment of Populous as architect for the redevelopment,” says Wrexham CEO Michael Williamson.

Wrexham has initially revealed plans to build a new Kop stand as part of the wider Wrexham Gateway project in 2022, replacing a derelict terrace that has stood empty for over a decade.

However, planning and funding problems led to a series of delays, prompting the club to erect a temporary stand shortly before Christmas last season. During the summer, this number was further increased by approximately 800 seats, bringing the total capacity to 13,341.

Delays – caused by a variety of factors including the relocation of sewerage under the site and resolving legal issues surrounding the transfer of the lease from Wrexham Supporters’ Trust to the club – have given owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney time to reconsider their original plans. This included examining ways to better adapt the new structure to future ground changes. McElhenney has previously talked about increasing capacity to 50,000 people.

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Now, with Populous on board, those plans can be intensified. Nowa Kop will provide safe standing, hospitality and accessible seating. It will also be fully compliant with UEFA category four stadium requirements.

Humphrey Ker, Wrexham’s chief executive, has spoken previously Athlete that the construction process of the new Kop will take 11 months from start to finish. This suggests that work must begin no later than next summer.

Significant public funding has been allocated to the Wrexham Gateway project, which aims to improve access to the town, including Wrexham General railway station.

The club has committed to working with a range of bodies during the redevelopment of the new Kop Stand, including Wrexham County Council, the University of Wrexham, the Welsh Government and the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

Wrexham is in the process of rebuilding the Kop Stand (Tom Jenkins/Getty Images)

In 2026, North Wales will host the European Under-19 Championships at five venues including Bangor, Denbigh, Colwyn Bay, Connah’s Quay and the Racecourse.

Wrexham have been desperately trying to increase the capacity of their stadium for several years. Almost all home matches in League One are sold out, although several hundred seats were left empty after Tuesday’s goalless draw with Huddersfield Town.

Fans will be following the plans closely, especially regarding any changes to facilitate future development. This includes potentially moving the pitch towards the new Kop to create more space for future development at the Tech End.

Populous has an impressive track record including The Sphere in Las Vegas.

“We are extremely proud to have been appointed to work on the new Kop stand and to explore the potential of the broader vision and masterplan for the future SToK Cae Ras,” says Declan Sharkey, global director and senior director of the company.

“Our aim is to create a home for passionate Wrexham fans and a community that pays tribute to the heritage and traditions of the club and the town itself.”

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(Top photo: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)