Wrexham AFC chooses Populous for Kop design
The global architecture firm will reimagine the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned football club’s plans for a 5,500-capacity stand at STōK Cae Ras stadium.
Talk around a new Kop around the stadium, previously known as The Racecourse Ground, has been circulating since the previous stand by Crispin Lane was decommissioned in 2010. A temporary stand has been in place. This fixture was just recently expanded to accommodate 3,000 fans.
Populous takes the job on from AFL Architects, whose designs for the Kop were approved in 2022. Morgan Sindall Construction had even been appointed to deliver the project, but no work had begun by 2024, when Wrexham AFC announced it would rethink the project.
At the time, the club stated: “We plan to focus on making the stadium a year-round destination, not just a match-day venue, which will drive significant economic impact for the city of Wrexham.”
In announcing Populous’ appointment yesterday, the football club reiterated its plans for the Kop, doubling down on its 5,500-capacity and adding that the stand would provide space for safe standing, hospitality, and accessible seating.
Wrexham AFC also stated that the new Kop would be in place and open in time for the UEFA Europa Under-19 Championship final tournament in the summer of 2026.
“We are determined to ensure the new Kop stand and the future vision of the STōK 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,” said Wrexham AFC chief executive Michael Williamson.
“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,” he continued.
“We look forward to engaging with fans and the local community as plans and designs for the stand take shape, along with other stakeholders and strategic partners including Wrexham County Borough Council, our Wrexham Gateway partners, Wrexham University, the Welsh Government, and the FA of Wales. This is an exciting time for the club, our supporters, and the city as we continue our upward momentum.”
Populous has designed football stadiums across the globe, including the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Lusail Stadium in Qatar, and GEODIS Park in Nashville. It has also been a leader in Olympic venue design, having created the visions for the Lonon 2012 Olympic Stadium, the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, and Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Populous global director and senior principal Declan Sharkey said that the studio was “extremely proud” to secure the Kop appointment.
“Our aim is to create a home for Wrexham’s passionate fans and the community that pays tribute to the heritage and traditions of the club and the city itself,” Sharkey said.
“The Kop stand will be the epicentre of the atmosphere at the ground on matchday, while incorporating enhanced facilities that can be used every day throughout the year.”
Populous has its global headquarters in Kansas City. Its UK office is in London. Since its inception 40 years ago, the firm has designed more than 3,500 projects worth a collective $60bn.
It’s good to see that there is an announcement that Populous will now be taking over the project of have the Kop stand built.
It’s taken do long and looks like it will be almost 2 more years before we see this stand completed.
We know from previous building or development in Wrexham things have nor gone to plan so e even being called white Elephants like Eagles Medow.
What our supporters want is a Stand built for purpose and if it takes 2 years and the developer developer the new cop stand
Then fine
What Wrexham supporters want is a ground we can be safe in and proud of.
I Am sure our wonderful owners Ryan and Rob. Being business men as well as Film stars have the knowledge to get this project done but looking at what they plan for the future is fantastic and that is what we have to look at the FUTURE
And good luck to our new Populouse builders and hope they build us something we can all be proud of
By Will Jackson williej@fastmail.fm
What one earth does ‘doubling down on its 5,500 capacity’ mean? Do we mean ‘retaining its approved 5,500 capacity’? This reads like it’s been written by a Yank. That’s fine. I’ve got no problem with Yanks. But at least do better than repeat Wrexham’s PR.
Instead, how about some questioning? If it’s a redesign, is it going need to have a new planning permission? And as they’ve not made any sort of start and 2026 is less than two years away, how realistic is that ambition irrespective of whether they need to negotiate their way through another permission process that has already proven to be problematic for them?
Don’t get me wrong – I hope this is successful for Wrexham FC and for the town more generally. But this smacks of the usual lack of interest in any detail the media generally displays in relation to what’s going on there. Never mind the quality, feel the buzz.
By Unlevelled for balance
Thanks for the feedback. I am a “Yank”. Glad you don’t have a problem with us.
Regarding your requests for further questioning, I can assure you that is happening – there just were not answers to provide at the time of publication. We’ve provided the information we knew was accurate, rather than tossing in our own speculation.
Best – J
By Julia Hatmaker
Is the Council still grant-funding the Kop redevelopment?
By EFL
AFL all day long , sorry Julia
By Salford Fred
To be clear, I’ve just written a news story updating people on the progress of the stadium design. No skin in the game on this end! Love AFL’s work. Love Populous’s work.
By Julia Hatmaker
Build a team for the future first.
By Anonymous