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.
