海角视频

A multidisciplinary team from across 海角视频 is proud to be working with Wrexham AFC on the redevelopment of the Kop Stand at ST艑K Cae Ras. From the outset, it鈥檚 been clear that this is a club with a strong sense of purpose 鈥� one that cares deeply about its supporters and the role football plays in the life of the city. The brief for the new stand reflects that: it鈥檚 about creating a space that鈥檚 inclusive, distinctive, and rooted in Wrexham鈥檚 identity.

The Kop isn鈥檛 just another stand. It鈥檚 a place with history, meaning, and emotional weight. We鈥檙e delighted to be helping deliver its next chapter.

We鈥檙e also pleased to be working once again with Populous, which has undertaken the architecture, interior design and landscape architecture for the project. Our relationship with their team is built on shared values 鈥� a commitment to design quality, technical rigour, and the delivery of world-class stadia. Together, we鈥檝e worked on some of the most recognisable venues globally, including Co-op Live in Manchester, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Emirates Stadium in London.

We have designed the new Kop Stand to be both authentic and unique in its approach to hosting Wrexham鈥檚 passionate fans. To do that we involved our team of audio consultants to maximise atmosphere, while the physical design of the facade at the back of the stand takes inspiration from the local brickwork and the city鈥檚 鈥楾erracottapolis鈥� nickname, to link it to the generations of fans that have visited the ground in the past.

Declan Sharkey, Global Director & Senior Principal at Populous

What makes the collaboration work is a common understanding of how architecture and engineering come together to shape experience. Whether it鈥檚 facade, people movement, lighting, structure or sustainability, we approach each project with a joined-up mindset 鈥� one that supports the design intent while ensuring performance and buildability.

That same approach is central to the Kop Stand redevelopment.

Before image: Newsquest. After image: Populous.

Moving forward together

海角视频 is providing 14 disciplines on the project, covering both engineering and specialist consultancy. These include: structural and ground engineering, civil and facade engineering, building services engineering (MEP), lighting, energy consulting, fire, security, people movement, waste, inclusive design, environmental consultancy and client monitoring.

Having the full team involved from the outset allows us to manage technical risk, coordinate interfaces, and ensure the design works as a unified vision 鈥� from the foundations to the roof, and from matchday operations to long-term sustainability.

The team includes many of the engineers who worked on Everton鈥檚 Hill Dickinson Stadium, bringing with them broad experience of delivering complex, high-profile venues with strong civic and cultural significance.

With the design phase now complete, we鈥檙e entering the next chapter of the project 鈥� working closely with McLaren Construction and Wrexham AFC to bring the new Kop Stand to life. It鈥檚 a collaborative effort, with everyone focused on the same goal: delivering a stand that reflects the ambition of the club and the pride of the city.

We鈥檝e got a strong team in place, and a shared understanding of what this project means. The energy and commitment across the board is clear 鈥� and we鈥檙e looking forward to the journey ahead.

More than matchday

We understand the significance of the Kop Stand redevelopment. It鈥檚 drawn attention from the media, from fans, and from the wider community 鈥� not just because of the club鈥檚 recent success, but because of what the Kop represents.

The new stand will accommodate 7,500 spectators, including safe standing, hospitality, and accessible seating. It will also house player and officials鈥� facilities, allowing the team to enter the pitch through the stand itself. The design has been shaped to support the matchday experience 鈥� with clear sightlines, efficient circulation, and a layout that encourages home advantage.

But the Kop isn鈥檛 just about football. The stand and its surrounding public realm have been designed to serve the community throughout the week. The Plaza and ground floor concourse will offer flexible spaces for events, gatherings, and everyday use 鈥� creating a civic destination that鈥檚 open, accessible, and welcoming.

The project also acknowledges the role supporters have played in the club鈥檚 journey. The design includes inclusive facilities, step-free access, and spaces that reflect the diversity of the fanbase. It鈥檚 a stand built for everyone 鈥� and one that honours the people who helped save the club.

Rooted in Wrexham

The Kop Stand will also reflect Wrexham鈥檚 heritage. The facade design, led by Populous, supported by 海角视频鈥檚 facade teams, draws on the town鈥檚 industrial legacy 鈥� with brickwork inspired by Ruabon red brick and Flemish bond patterns found throughout the city. Two dragons from the club crest are embossed into the brickwork, reinforcing the connection between the club and its community.

The integration of the Gresford Colliery wheel into the public realm is a particularly meaningful gesture. It鈥檚 a reminder of the town鈥檚 mining history and the lives that shaped it. The materials, motifs and spatial character of the stand have all been chosen to celebrate Wrexham鈥檚 story 鈥� past, present and future.

Experience at every level

Inside the stand, a tiered hospitality strategy will offer a range of experiences, from general admission to premium lounges. This layered approach supports both fan engagement and commercial resilience, ensuring that every supporter finds a space that suits their journey.

The design balances operational efficiency with character, creating spaces that feel connected to the pitch while offering comfort and flexibility. Whether it鈥檚 the concourse, the lounges, or the roof terrace, each level has been considered as part of a wider supporter offering. Our MEP, lighting and crowd flow teams are playing a key role in shaping these internal environments 鈥� helping to ensure that the spaces not only function well, but feel intuitive, welcoming and responsive to the needs of fans, staff and players alike.

The Kop Stand will also connect clearly with the city. Improved public realm will help integrate the stadium into the urban fabric, making it easier for supporters and visitors to arrive, move through, and enjoy the space. Our inclusive design, security, fire and civil engineering teams are working closely with Populous鈥� landscape architects to help shape these external areas, ensuring they are safe, accessible, and well-integrated with the surrounding context.

Accessibility has been a key focus throughout the design. Step-free routes, inclusive seating, and clear circulation have all been built into the plan. Behind the scenes, a robust fire strategy, secure access control, and integrated safety measures will support a confident and well-managed environment.

A beacon for Wrexham

Ultimately, the Kop Stand is designed to be a landmark 鈥� a visible expression of Wrexham AFC鈥檚 legacy and future ambitions. The design blends traditional materials like local Ruabon brick and Welsh slate with modern forms and detailing, creating a structure that feels both grounded and forward-looking.

It鈥檚 a stand that will be seen from the city centre, from the station, and from the surrounding streets. And it鈥檚 a stand that will say something 鈥� about the club, the community, and the pride that runs through both.

As construction progresses, our focus will remain on delivery, coordination, and assurance. We鈥檒l continue to work closely with McLaren, Populous, and Wrexham AFC to ensure the Kop Stand is built to a high standard and ready to serve the club and its supporters for years to come.

This is a project that brings together engineering, architecture, and community. It鈥檚 a privilege to be involved, and we look forward to sharing more as the build continues.