MIPIM | Newcastle hints at St James’ decision
Michelle Percy, director of investment and growth at Newcastle City Council, has given a strong indication of the direction Saudi owner PIF might opt for in the ongoing debate around the future of the club’s stadium.
Speaking at an InvestNewcastle panel session, she said: “Come what may, [the stadium] will stay in the heart of the city.”
Previously, she said, the council would close the roads on match days and ensure legalities were handled, but she praised Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund for having a different attitude towards its relationship with the council.
“When the owners joined the club, it was transformational. Before, the club was in the heart of the city but there was no relationship there, it was transactional.”
Percy was speaking at the ‘What the F is happening in Newcastle’ event at MIPIM. Credit: Place North East
Describing the impact the club and its ground has on the city centre, she noted: “It is completely game-changing. Having been in the heart of the city and working with us so closely, [the council] has a really robust relationship with [PIF]. We are very clear about what our lines are and what we expect.
“I’m a huge supporter, not just about the football although of course I want them to do well, but also about the impact sport has in the heart of our city.
“If you think about culture and an approach to culture, many of our residents know culture through their football. So it has to be regarded as one of our major cultural attractions.
“If it was a highbrow cultural attraction that we see in some of the museums, you would be treating this very differently. so actually for me, that stadium is the heart of our community, and we can use that international route to our advantage.”
When asked what she sees happening in Newcastle over the next 10 years, Percy replied: “Definitely a new stadium for the club, I might as well wish for that.”
Last month, plans seen by the Telegraph show a new stadium’s perimeter overlapping with some of the existing site, leaving most of Leazes Park untouched.
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Very timely this! If the team keep playing like they did yesterday, the new ground will need a big trophy cabinet.
By Francis