United owner has sky high plans for club

May 12 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal

THE billionaire owner of Newcastle United, Mike Ashley, is looking at building a skyscraper on land next to St James’s Park – and has already hired an architect to work on ideas.

Mr Ashley, owner of the club since last June, is said to be looking at various options for parcels of land around the St James’s Park stadium.

Previous chairman Freddie Shepherd put forward £300m plans for a 8,000 seat ground extension, a hotel and apartments in April 2007 but they were shelved when Mr Ashley took over the club two months later.

The club’s deal with MGM Mirage to develop a casino behind the Gallowgate end of St James’s Park has also foundered after the Government decided not to proceed with plans for ‘supercasinos’ nationwide.

Now the new team at the top of Newcastle United is examining how to make the most of the land around its prize asset.

A meeting has already been held between club chairman Chris Mort, vice-president Tony Jimenez, Andy Roberts of _space Architecture and Management, and a representative of Newcastle City Council.

Both Mr Roberts and the city council have confirmed that a tall building was on the club’s agenda. The car park next to St James Metro station is thought to be the most likely site for such a structure, though Newcastle United does own a small amount of land to the west of St James’s Park.

Metro operator Nexus was believed to own the freehold for the car park next to the Metro station, with Newcastle United holding a long lease on it, and Newcastle City Council sub-letting from the club.

But now Nexus has revealed it has sold the freehold – though will not reveal the buyer’s identity.

Mr Roberts said he was keen for tall, modern buildings to be a part of the Newcastle skyline in the north of the city centre. He said: “The land around Newcastle United football ground could be a focus for higher buildings. We have been looking at schemes with the new owner as he owns parcels of land around the club. We are looking forward to being asked to look at things with fresh eyes.

“We have had meetings with the city council and the club, and there is a very positive agenda on high buildings there.”

Newcastle City Council leader John Shipley is known to be a fan of tall buildings being added to the city. He has said: “I like height. And in the Gallowgate area it would complement the football stadium.”

A spokesman for Newcastle City Council said: “We have met with Newcastle United to give them some planning guidance on the scale and appearance of potential tall buildings for this area. We are keen to work with them.”