World’s oldest football stadium set for major revamp with capacity to be increased by almost 50 PER CENT
HOLLYWOOD actor Ryan Reynolds has won a planning dispute to build a new stand for 5,500 extra fans at his beloved Wrexham AFC.
The Deadpool actor and co-owner comedian Rob McElhenney were challenged by planning authorities who prevented them from using all the seats in their newly built £20m stand.
Wrexham are set for a major revamp as they increase their 10,000 capacity Racecourse Ground to 15,500.
The stand was initially rejected by the planners who feared that the construction would cause high levels of phosphate pollution in the nearby rivers.
Natural Resources Wales’ environmental officers ordered to lower phosphate levels in various Welsh regions – including Wrexham.
But the club has sent a new letter that resubmits their initial plans and proposes to lift the limit on seat capacity.
Wrexham chiefs argued that the additional capacity is for “home supporters” so the environmental impact of them to attend matches is limited.
And Wrexham council say it has consulted with Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales to approve the 5,500 seats for fans.
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved.
“We all know that football is a huge part of our identity in Wrexham, and the success of the club is benefitting the city in all kinds of ways – catapulting us onto the world stage.
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“It’s important the correct planning procedures have been followed, and I’m delighted that the Kop will now be able to be used to its full capacity when it’s built.”
Currently, the Racecourse Ground has a temporary 2,000-seat stand at the Kop end but are hoping to get the full stand ready next season.
When the Kop is in full function, it meets the UEFA standards to host regular international games.
And the ground will be bigger than both Luton and Bournemouth stadiums.
The Racecourse is one of the oldest international football venues in the world, having hosted Wales against Scotland in 1877.
The stand is due to be ready for the 2024-25 season.
Reynolds, 46, has owned the Football League club since 2021 with fellow Hollywood actor Rob McElhenney, 46.
The pair have overseen the club reach international stardom through their Disney docuseries, Welcome to Wrexham.
After earning promotion in League Two last season, Wrexham are now third in the table.