The practices designs for a new Kop stand for the Welsh side, co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, was approved by Wrexham County Borough Council's planning committee this week (3 March).Planning officers had recommended approval of the plans, which were only officially unveiled last month. The scheme replaced an earlier, unrealised proposal by AFL Architects.The design includes seating and safe standing for 5,500 supporters as well as a hospitality space, which has been designed to allow for future capacity increase and non-matchday use.AdvertisementThe seating bowl and roof are designed to amplify the sound of spectators towards the pitch, Populous says, with promises that the stand will create an atmospheric home for the Welsh football sides home fans.The stand will have a red brick exterior with a lattice effect and two dragon-shaped brick motifs representing the football clubs badge.Populous describes this as a modern interpretation of the history surrounding the locally produced Ruabon red brick and Wrexhams Terracottapolis nickname a reference to the citys manufacturing history of tiles and other terracotta products.Wrexham AFC chief executive, Michael Williamson, said of the approval: It was a pleasure to speak in front of the planning committee today and share the cubs excitement and ambition to deliver an atmospheric and authentic new Kop Stand for our fans. We look forward now to turning this vision into reality and writing a new chapter in the rich history of our proud club and stadium.Populouss global director and senior principal, Declan Sharkey, previously described the new stand as both authentic and unique in its approach to hosting Wrexhams passionate fans. The striking form and profile of the stand faade uses Ruabon-style red brick with dynamic textures and modern interpretation.AdvertisementThe angled planes and carved form of the brick faade echo the strata of coal and slate seams that represent the industrial heritage of the local area, with the feeling that they have emerged organically from the ground they stand on.A contemporary approach to the brick detailing enables layers of transparency through the brickwork that dissolve the boundary between the stand and the public plaza outside. This allows visibility into and out of the stand, responding to the clubs role as an open and integral part of its local community.Populous was appointed as architect for the Kop Stand in October as part of a masterplan for the entire STK Cae Ras stadium after a previous design by AFL Architects was shelved.AFLs scheme won planning approval in November 2022 but the club later said that several matters need to be resolved before the stand could progress. Source:AFLAFL's unrealised Wrexham plansOutstanding issues included the grant funding agreement from the borough council and changes to the existing lease structure of the ground. Prior to the clubs takeover by Reynolds and McElhenney, the club had a complicated ownership structure which involved the local university and several other stakeholders.Wrexham had hoped the previous design would be built out by the current 2024/25 season.The club says the Populous overhaul of the ground will make the Kop fully compliant with UEFA Category Four stadium requirements' and that it sill hopes the project will be completed in time for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final tournament in 2026. Source:PopulousPopulous Wrexham football club plans (January 2025)