Wrexham AFC’s ambitious stadium redevelopment has taken another step forward, with plans to increase the capacity of its new Kop Stand to 7,750 seats receiving backing from the local planning committee. According to Football Stadium Management and Place North West, the decision, made by Wrexham County Borough Council’s planning committee on October 5, 2026, clears the way for an additional 2,250 seats at the historic Racecourse Ground. The latest proposal builds on planning approval granted in March 2025 for a 5,500-seat stand. With the additional seating, the Kop will be able to accommodate up to 7,750 spectators, taking the stadium’s overall capacity to just over 18,000. The development is part of a £70 million project that reflects the club’s growing ambitions since Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took ownership in 2021. The new stand is being built at the site of the old Kop, which had remained unused for years and became a visible reminder of the club’s difficult period before its recent rise through English football.
The additional seats will form a second tier within the approved design and existing footprint of the stand. The club’s plans are intended to give the Racecourse Ground greater flexibility to host international football matches and other major sporting events. The stadium, also known as STōK Cae Ras, holds a special place in football history as the oldest international football ground still in use. The redevelopment is therefore not simply about increasing matchday capacity but also about restoring an important part of the club’s identity. According to BBC Sport, construction began in December 2025, with McLaren Construction appointed to carry out the work. The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2026-27 season, with the new stand scheduled to become fully operational in early 2027.
The expansion also brings additional considerations for matchday travel. As part of its planning submission, Wrexham AFC provided an updated travel plan outlining measures to encourage supporters to use public transport. These include promoting bus and rail services, working with local bus operators and Transport for Wales, and continuing existing park-and-ride arrangements. The club has also highlighted free matchday parking at Eagles Meadow as another option for supporters. Parking and traffic management were among the issues considered during the planning process, as a larger stadium is expected to bring more spectators into the area on matchdays.
For Reynolds and McElhenney, the Kop redevelopment is an important part of the wider transformation of Wrexham AFC. Since taking over the club, the pair have overseen a remarkable rise from the National League to the Championship, attracting international attention and bringing a growing number of supporters to the Welsh city. The new stand is expected to provide improved facilities and more room for home fans, while helping the club accommodate its expanding international following. Once completed, it will also give the Racecourse Ground greater scope to host events beyond regular league fixtures. The project marks a significant change for a stadium whose long-unused Kop once stood as a reminder of more difficult years. Now, as construction continues, the club is preparing to welcome supporters back to a rebuilt stand designed to serve Wrexham for generations.
