Newcastle United official announcement – St James’ STACK gets five year extension | OneFootball

Newcastle United have announced that St James’ STACK has been granted a five year extension.

The official announcement (see below) on Thursday from the club, saying that the ‘2,000-capacity fanzone and leisure destination’ has been given the green light from Newcastle City Council to remain on the site until 2031.

Opposite the Gallowgate End of St. James’ Park, St James’ STACK was initially granted three years planning permission in 2023 before officially opening in 2024.

‘Following a momentous first year, city planners have awarded the hugely popular ‘St. James’ STACK, presented by Sela’ an additional five years of planning permission.

The 2,000-capacity fanzone and leisure destination – located beneath the iconic Gallowgate End of St. James’ Park – was initially granted a three-year planning permission in 2023 before officially opening in 2024.

Now, ahead of the first anniversary of its launch, the venue has received the green light to remain on the site until 2031 – giving football fans, concert goers and the wider public continued access to its unique blend of live entertainment, bars and globally-inspired street food.

A VIBRANT SOCIAL SPACE

Crafted from 56 repurposed shipping containers, the site is a collaboration between STACK and Newcastle United. It has transformed a former car park at Strawberry Place into a vibrant social space that includes a central plaza, main stage and large, immersive screens.

The site now employs 175 people and is a base for eight small businesses. It also continues to support local and national talent, with 1,426 stage performances at the venue since it first opened its doors last summer.

Just last week, it welcomed 35,000 concert-goers across three days of performances by Sam Fender at St. James’ Park.

“A FANTASTIC ADDITION”

Brad Miller, Chief Operating Officer at Newcastle United, said: “The St. James’ STACK has been a fantastic addition to the city and we’re delighted to receive an additional five years of planning permission.

“As a dedicated fanzone, it has become a huge attraction for people attending matches and events at the stadium.

“But it’s so much more than that. It has been incredibly popular with families, it has increased trade throughout the week and it has created vital employment opportunities.

“It also provides an important revenue stream for the football club that will continue to fuel our growth on and off the pitch.

“I’d like to thank the team at STACK and our city partners for their support and collaboration. We’re excited to continue our work together.”

‘PHENOMENAL RESPONSE’

STACK CEO Neill Winch said the decision to extend planning permission is not only “hugely welcome,” but also “a testament to the venue’s role in enhancing the matchday and event experience at St. James’ Park.

“This location was always envisioned as a true fanzone – a place where supporters could come together before and after games to soak up the atmosphere,” he said.

“But what’s been incredible is how it’s also become a central hub for major events at the stadium, from cup celebrations to concert weekends like Sam Fender.

“Being right on the doorstep of St. James’ Park means we’re perfectly placed to support everything happening there – and the response from fans and visitors has been phenomenal.”