A stand at St James’ Park has been added to a list of buildings considered to be ‘at risk’ by a national charity to highlight what an ‘unusual and historic brutalist structure it is’.
The East Stand is one of the 10 ‘outstanding’ 20th century and 21st century buildings across the country that the Twentieth Century Society believe are ‘at risk from demolition, dereliction or neglect’ as Newcastle United weigh up whether to transform St James’ or build a new stadium not too far away. The charity campaigns to save eye-catching buildings and designs that have shaped the British landscape since 1914 and director Oli Marshall has explained why the East Stand has been included.
“The debate around the future of St James’ Park, and whether the club ultimately decides to expand the ground or build a completely new stadium, is obviously a hugely emotive and complex one,” he said. “This an exciting new era for Newcastle United and the club have to look to the future, but we included the East Stand this year’s Risk List to highlight what an unusual and historic brutalist structure it is.
“If the plan is to stay-put, we hope it’ll be retained and made a feature of. The area between the stand and the Grade I Leazes Terrace could make an amazing pedestrianised fan-zone, and an urban piazza unique in British sport.
“We’ve seen a growing public interest in sporting heritage over recent years, with the best venues deftly combining some preserved historic features with ambitious modern facilities. So far the reaction from fans and locals to the East Stand’s inclusion in the campaign has been one of curiosity, and it’s great to contribute to the debate.”
It is important to stress, of course, that no decision has been made by Newcastle on whether to stay or go yet and CEO Darren Eales reiterated last month that the club wanted to make sure it was the ‘right investment strategically’ not only for the club but, also, for the city and the region.
“That takes us doing a lot of work, due diligence and making sure at the right time that we go to those external stakeholders as well and get everyone aligned,” he added. “We’re looking to get something done in the near future, but I can’t really say anymore than that. Work is going on and I think you’ve seen it from just the general discussions we’ve had it is something we’re taking very seriously because it’s a hugely important decision.”
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy told ChronicleLive earlier this month that the government are ‘keen to support’ and ‘want to see the project go ahead’.
