McLaren kicks off Wrexham’s 7,750-seat Kop

The Populous-designed redevelopment of the Kop Stand at the STōK Cae Ras stadium is set to be completed by the contractor during the 2026/27 season and will increase the ground’s capacity to 18,000.

McLaren Construction has begun work at the home ground of Wrexham AFC, famously owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who have both invested in the club and its facilities.

The new-look Kop stand will feature safe standing, modern concourses, upgraded media and broadcast facilities, and improved back-of-house services to streamline matchday operations.

A unique external brick façade, a nod to Wrexham’s ‘Terracottapolis’ nickname, will face Crispin Lane once complete.

In early 2026, slip-formed reinforced concrete cores will be installed to provide stability to the roof structure of the stand. By early spring, the steel frame should be visible and its erection well underway.

Plans for the Kop Stand’s reset were approved by Wrexham County Council in March 2025.

Originally, the club sought only a 5,500-seat expansion, but an additional application pushed that number up to 7,750 seats.

Credit: via Jennie Holland PR

Joel Casstles, operations director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “The groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of an exciting phase for Wrexham AFC and for the city.

“The scale and complexity of the new Kop Stand is significant, especially on a historic and operational site, but the progress made to date means we are entering the main build with confidence.

“This stand will transform the stadium and deliver a new gateway to Wrexham, which the whole community can be proud of.

“We are committed to ensuring the project creates local opportunities and leaves a lasting legacy for supporters and residents alike.”

McLaren Construction signed a pre-construction services agreement in September.

The stand will bring the stadium’s capacity up to 18,000. Credit: Populous

Michael Williamson, chief executive of Wrexham AFC, said: “Breaking ground on the Kop Stand is a hugely significant moment for the club and our supporters.

“The Kop has always held deep importance, and today’s ceremony marks the beginning of its long-awaited return.

“Over the coming months, fans will see the structure take shape as we build a stand that enhances capacity, improves facilities, and secures the future of the STōK Cae Ras as a top-tier venue for domestic, international football, and other sporting and entertainment events.”

Once the Kop is finished, the stadium will be able to comply with UEFA Category 4 guidelines – allowing the hosting of more international matches than it currently can.

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Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham County Council, added: “The Kop Stand marks a significant step forward for the Wrexham Gateway.

“We’ve worked closely with the club and partners to help shape the project that will see enhancements to the ground and improvements in connectivity that will open up new opportunities.

“Once in use, the stand will be a great vantage point to witness historic domestic and international games here in Wrexham, the spiritual home of Welsh football.”

The Kop project is part of a wider Wrexham Gateway Partnership regeneration plan, a joint project between the club, Wrexham University, Wrexham County Council, and the Welsh Government.

Wrexham Gateway includes the building of a convention centre, hotel, and 400-space multi-storey car park in the city.