Local MP disapproves Newcastle United plans for St James’ Park rebuild
Charlie Bennett
3 – 4 minutes
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Newcastle Central and West MP Chi Onwurah has told NewcastleWorld she would prefer the club to remain at St James’ Park.
The stadium debate has divided Newcastle United supporters for what feels like an eternity. Brad Miller, the club’s Chief Operating Officer, promised fans a decision in “early 2025” but, as of May 1, they remain on tenterhooks.
A potential rebuild on Leazes Park has been mooted and polarised the fan base but no final announcement has been made. St James’ Park has been Newcastle’s home since 1892 and was the Premier League’s second-biggest ground at the turn of the century.
However, rival clubs have surpassed the Magpies’ attendance – with St James’ Park now the seventh largest in the division. Efforts to expand the stadium have fallen flat over the years due to its close proximity to Leazes Park Terrace and the nearby Metro station.
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The grip of PSR regulations also forces clubs to conjure fresh ways to boost revenues. A state-of-the-art ground that can attract non-football events to Newcastle would vastly improve the balance sheet.
But local MP Onwurah sides with the traditionalists who believe tearing down St James’ Park would be Geordie sacrilege. She told NewcastleWorld: “For me, it’s (the stadium debate) really important. I’m the MP for Newcastle Central and West now. Having St James’ Park in the centre of my constituency is something I’m very proud of.
“I’m a big fan of St James’ Park. Having it on the hill dominating the centre of the city is absolutely unique among Premier League clubs. It makes the whole city part of every match. Having St James’ Park in the centre of our city is very important to many fans and it’s important to me.
“The club has to make the right decisions for the club but it needs to be done in consultation with the fans and we’ve got to be also aware of the economic impact on Newcastle. It does make a big difference to the economy in terms of people coming into the city. What I’m trying to say is that we don’t want a stadium in the middle of nowhere that everyone has to drive to.
When put to Onwurah that the debate seems like a 50/50 split on social media, the MP rejected the online consensus. She also noted how the Friends of Leazes Park residents group should be considered before any outcome is confirmed.
“Social media isn’t really a good measure,” Onwurah added. “You get so many keyboard warriors. I think the vast majority of fans like St James’ Park where it is.
“I do think though, obviously the challenges of expanding St James’ Park in its location and the role of Leazes Park, which is also really important in our city, might be driving some people to think that a move is the only way.
“I know there’s a Leazes Park residents group and I think it might be right to say Leazes Park is listed. I’m not aware of discussions (regarding the stadium) but I would hope that Newcastle United would be keeping the council in step with its decision-making process.”
