By admin 
Wednesday morning has seen Newcastle United reveal plans for a Fanzone.
The Fanzone will be located on Strawberry Place, directly across from the Gallowgate End.
The official NUFC announcement (see below) announcing the submission of an initial planning application to Newcastle City Council.
To be honest, I couldn’t give a damn about a Newcastle United Fanzone.
After all, our club’s unusual location means we have a whole city center of bars, cafes, and restaurants to pick from, all within easy walking distance of St James’ Park.
Anyway, only one paragraph in this official club announcement piques my curiosity, and that is this…
‘Subject to planning and licensing approval, it is intended that the fan zone would open before the end of the year, with a three-year initial lifespan as the club investigates potential.’
There is only one ‘potential use’ for this site that almost all Newcastle United fans are concerned about, and that is, let’s hope that soon after the Strawberry Place land is used as a Fanzone, we get notice that a planning application has been submitted for the land to be used to help significantly increase the capacity of St James’ Park. Which was, of course, the goal when the Hall and Shepherd NUFC administration purchased the land in the first place, and is undoubtedly the primary reason why the current owners have purchased the Strawberry Place land back after Mike Ashley sold it for personal gain.
Newcastle United official notice – Strawberry Place Fanzone planning application submitted – July 26, 2023:
Newcastle United have commenced the planning application process for a brand new fan zone at Strawberry Place in partnership with STACK and the club’s front-of-shirt partner, Sela.
An initial planning application has now been lodged with Newcastle City Council, with a proposed fan zone to be constructed in two phases to extend the site over a ground floor and first floor.
The fan zone will not only introduce a thriving food, drink and entertainment option for supporters visiting matches at St. James’ Park, it will also create a bustling midweek leisure and social destination that has become synonymous with the STACK brand.
Built using repurposed shipping containers around a central plaza and main stage area, the new site will attract people of all ages, with carefully curated events and attractions designed for families.
The main stage, complete with a big screen, will be designed to deliver an immersive experience for live entertainment and broadcasting sporting events, while there will be six bars and ten street food units.
The club is continuing to work with STACK through the planning process, with Sela – the club’s front-of-shirt partner and a world-class events and experiences company – providing expert guidance.
Subject to planning and licensing being granted, it is hoped the fan zone will be open before the end of the year, with an initial lifespan of three years as the club explores potential uses for the site.
BOOSTING NEWCASTLE CITY CENTRE
The fan zone will complement recent development projects around the Strawberry Place site, which sits in the shadow of the stadium’s Gallowgate End. The land, which was recently acquired by the club, was
previously a car park and was most recently used to accommodate materials for nearby construction projects.
It is anticipated the fan zone will create a host of economic and employment opportunities for the city centre, attracting local businesses as both vendors and suppliers, and stimulating additional footfall for neighbouring businesses and services.
The site will also create 150 full-time and part-time jobs, with Newcastle United Foundation’s employability programme – NU Futures – forging links with the fan zone to give local people new opportunities.
NU Futures is a powerful collaboration between Newcastle United Foundation, North of Tyne Combined Authority, leading local businesses, schools, and other high-quality education and training partners.
It supports young people to develop the skills and attributes needed to progress and succeed in the world of work and the fan zone will provide a key pathway for young people to secure employment.
A community consultation process will begin in due course, giving supporters and the wider public an opportunity to see the plans in detail.
REVITALISING STRAWBERRY PLACE
Darren Eales said: “Our fan zone is aimed at enhancing the experience not just for supporters visiting matches
and big events at the stadium, but for people visiting the city centre seven days a week.
“Submitting initial plans is just the first stage and there are a lot of steps in the process, but we are excited to continue working with our commercial and city partners to create something that will really add social and economic value to the location.”
“The joint venture with Newcastle United to create a fan zone in the city centre is exciting for many reasons, not least of which is the coming together of two great North East brands,” said Neill Winch, CEO of STACK.
“We believe that this development will be a huge asset not only to the club and its incredible fans, but also to the city as a whole.”
“While STACK is now a national chain, the fact that our first venture was in Newcastle means it holds a special place in our hearts.”
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with the club and Sela to provide a ‘best in class’ experience for fans and the community not only on match days, but throughout the year.”