There’s a lot of glitz and glamour in modern football, but it’s usually reserved for the same all-conquering, high-flying teams. Local clubs don’t often get much time in the limelight, which is probably why Wrexham going from rags-to-riches has been so captivating to watch.
Just over five years ago, Wrexham AFC was just a small – albeit well-loved, historically important – Welsh football team. Now, it’s getting a brand new stand designed by world-famous architects. But how did we get from the non-league days of the 2010s to here?
You probably already know the answer. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buy the club and turn it, and the city of Wrexham itself, into tourist hotspots. Disney makes a TV series and generates even more chat about the small industrial hub. Wrexham get promoted twice, and might even get promoted into the Championship this year. Big things have happened for this club, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Plans have been revealed for a brand new stand at Wrexham’s stadium to be designed by world-renowned architectural firm Populous. If you don’t know Populous by name, you will definitely know it by its work. Ever heard of Wembley Stadium, or the O2 Arena? We thought so.
Basically, this is a world leader in mega-design projects, and now it’s heading to Wales. The Kop Stand will be the stadium’s new home end, and will have space for 5,500 fans. Its maroon-y colour pays homage to the town’s colloquial nickname ‘Terracottapolis’, which itself is a reference to the local brick industry going back centuries.
The stand will look pretty impressive from the outside, embossed with the iconic Welsh dragons found in Wrexham’s badge. The club says: ‘The overall effect creates an authentic aesthetic grounded in the history and heritage of the city, while providing a modern, forward-looking identity.’
Reflecting the community is very important to Wrexham AFC, as CEO Michael Williamson explained; ‘The distinctive design of the new Kop Stand embodies the history and heritage of Wrexham – rooted in the local community creating a timeless, authentic piece of civic architecture.
‘The stand reflects the key role the football club can play in the rejuvenation and redevelopment of the city.’
The stand is also future-proofed, allowing for increased capacity as the club continues to grow. It is due to be ready for use by summer of 2026, which is a pretty quick turnaround. For now, here’s a sneak peak of what will be coming to Wrexham in the near future.
What else is going on in the UK?
We keep track of all the best things coming to the UK, from stadium stands to coastal paths. For instance, did you see that a vast £1 billion leisure and hospitality complex is being built in the Peak District? Or that one of Britain’s most famous scenic roads could soon close to cars? Maybe you’re more interested to find out how you can attend Black Sabbath’s final ever show, or how you can visit the brand new Lidl pub.
Did you see that the UK’s longest direct train route is being cancelled?
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