Wrexham AFC supporters were dealt a surprise blow this week as progress on the long-awaited Kop Stand redevelopment at the STōK Cae Ras (Racecourse Ground) hit an unexpected setback. The ambitious plan to restore a permanent Kop — a key part of the club’s vision to complete a four-sided stadium — has faced delays after revised planning designs submitted in 2025 hit fresh bureaucratic hurdles.
The club had hoped to move swiftly from early works into the main construction phase following the appointment of McLaren Construction Midlands and North under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement last autumn. Early groundwork and piling preparations were underway, with completion originally targeted for the 2026/27 season.
However, revised proposals — seeking to increase capacity and refine design details — have required additional review by Wrexham County Borough Council planners. These amendments, intended to future-proof the stand and boost overall stadium capacity, have triggered a fresh round of consultations and technical assessments. Sources suggest this could extend the timeline for full approval, potentially delaying major construction milestones.
For now, the temporary Kop seating remains in use, but with planning clarity yet to be secured for the permanent structure, fans may face another season without a finished Kop. Club officials have reassured supporters that the long-term plan remains unchanged — but the setback underscores the challenges of navigating complex planning, infrastructure and design demands on one of football’s most historic grounds.
