Ryan Reynolds wins planning battle over huge new redbrick stand for Wrexham FC as critics compare it to a ‘prison’
Their new stand’s design would give the club the option to increase capacity at a later date, subject to a separate planning application.
Wrexham council planners have now backed the plans despite some fans blasting it as ‘ugly’ and like a row of terraced houses.
Club CEO Michael Williamson said: ‘When Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds became co-chairmen four years ago one of their core aims was to recreate a four-sided stadium.
‘An early brief for a replacement Kop stand was approved in 2022, but our amazing success on and off the pitch over the last few seasons required a review of our ambition for the ST*K Cae Ras.
‘The Racecourse Ground will be the centrepiece stadium for the Uefa Euro U19s tournament to be held across North Wales in summer 2026.
‘In anticipation this summer we will install a brand-new latest generation state-of-the-art hybrid pitch that will allow the stadium to host other major international sporting events including rugby union and rugby league.’
Wrexham say the stand’s proposed external brick facade design pays homage to the city’s ‘Terracottapolis’ nickname – based on their local history of brick-making.
It says the brick colour and textures are reminiscent of the historic Ruabon red brick from the local area and will look on to a public plaza.
It is the latest bold boost to the once-struggling club since being taken over four years ago by the American comedy pair.
Describing the new designs, one critic on social media said: ‘It is a football stadium, not a prison.’
Another added: ‘Such a hideous design. Seems to be what Populous do these day.’
A third, however, said: ‘It’s stunning and iconic. So many layers of inspiration and imagination. And it glows like there is a dragon living inside it.’
