Report: Newcastle facing billion-high St James' Park's expansion

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Will they stay or will they go?

Newcastle United are facing the possibility of spending up to £1 billion to redevelop and expand St James' Park's capacity in the near future, according to The Telegraph.

The club has been exploring expansion options since CEO Darren Eales announced a formal process was about to start back in November 2023, with the goal of increasing the stadium's capacity beyond its current 52,305 seats or potentially moving away from the current arena to build a new stadium from the ground.

The proposed plans, as detailed by The Telegraph, include expanding the East Stand and Gallowgate End, which would push the overall capacity to over 60,000. Additionally, the Milburn Stand and Leazes End are also earmarked for modernization. The cost for these upgrades is estimated to be between £800 million and £1 billion.

Newcastle's board, under the guidance of chief operating officer Brad Miller, has yet to make a final decision on whether to move forward with the redevelopment.

However, the club acknowledges that any significant changes to SJP will come with substantial financial investment.

"When we get on with it, it is going to be a really big cheque that's going to be written," Miller said in August. He added that the decision will prioritize the long-term benefits to both the team and its supporters.

While redeveloping St James' Park is the preferred option, building a new stadium elsewhere in the city remains on the table and hasn't been ruled out entirely. The potential cost for a new venue, however, would be significantly higher, ranging from £2 billion to £3 billion, according to estimates.

The club previously bought land behind St James' Park, once sold under former owner Mike Ashley, to allow for potential expansion, although it's not clear how much room there is for an increase of capacity even after that acquisition of land.