New design unveiled for Kop Stand at Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham AFC

The club has shot to fame after documentary TV series Welcome to Wrexham charted the fortunes of the Welsh soccer club, as told by owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The 5,500-capacity Kop Stand will provide seating, hospitality and accessible seating. The seating bowl has been designed to create a home end for the club’s fans.

The design of the roof has been optimised to amplify sound from the spectators towards the pitch, according to Populous.

The new Kop Stand at Wrexham AFC will have a capacity of 5,500 (Image: Populous)

It has also been designed with expansion in mind and its capacity can be increased, subject to separate planning permission.

The architecture firm said that an external brick facade pays homage to the City’s “Terracottapolis” nickname. The brick colour and textures are designed to be reminiscent of the historic Ruabon red brick from the local area. Built against a glass wall along key areas at the rear of the stand, the brick façade also uses a contemporary interpretation of the ‘Flemish bond’ brickwork found throughout Wrexham.

Two dragons from the club’s crest are prominently embossed into the brick façade at one corner of the stand.

Michael Williamson, Wrexham AFC chief executive officer, said: “The new Kop Stand marks a special moment in the history of the STōK Cae Ras, allowing us to restore the traditional four-sided enclosure of the stadium, providing new and improved facilities and experiences for our fans and visitors to the stadium alike.

“The distinctive design of the new Kop Stand embodies the history and heritage of Wrexham.”

Work on the stand was originally due to start in 2023 but has been delayed, with the club blaming “additional complications”.